PFAS

Anal Chem. 2025 Apr 3. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c06345. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Compound 6:2 chlorinated polyfluoroalkyl ether sulfonate (6:2 Cl-PFESA) is an emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) with potential toxicity and health risks to biosystems and ecosystems. Here, we developed a metabolomics method based on single-cell mass spectrometry to investigate the hepatotoxicity and heterogeneous responses in zebrafish exposed to 6:2 Cl-PFESA. Zebrafish were exposed to an environmentally relevant concentration (200 ng/L) of 6:2 Cl-PFESA for 14 days. The livers were dissociated and prepared as cell suspensions and then introduced to high-throughput single-cell mass spectrometry for analysis of 6:2 Cl-PFESA and endogenous metabolites in individual primary liver cells. Significant sex-specific heterogeneity in 6:2 Cl-PFESA accumulation was observed (p < 0.05). Metabolomics analysis revealed perturbations in lipid metabolism, particularly affecting unsaturated fatty acids, ether lipids, and sphingolipids in zebrafish liver cells, indicating potential hepatotoxicity. Sex-dependent metabolic responses were evident: males showed notable changes in glucose and fatty acid metabolism, whereas females experienced pronounced disruptions in glycerophospholipid and amino acid pathways. ROC analysis identified sex-specific biomarkers, including FA(18:3) and FA(16:1) in males (AUC > 0.85), as well as proline and phosphatidylcholine in females (AUC > 0.90). These findings reflect metabolic dysregulation and highlight sex-specific responses. This study demonstrates the feasibility of single-cell metabolomics to elucidate the cellular mechanisms and metabolic responses of pollutant exposure, offering insights into precise and comprehensive toxicity assessments at the single-cell level.

PMID:40176633 | DOI:10.1021/acs.analchem.4c06345

Environ Sci Technol. 2025 Apr 3. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.4c14255. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study presents a novel semiquantification approach for nontarget screening (NTS), combining matrix-matched calibration and ionization class-specific average calibration curves (ACCs) to address the lack of analytical reference standards for most per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Ionization class-specific ACCs for carboxylic and sulfonic acids, sulfonamides, and cationic PFAS result in high accuracy, with median absolute accuracy quotients below 2.27×. The approach was applied to soil impacted by aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) contamination. A total of 96 tentatively identified PFAS were semiquantified in addition to 28 quantified compounds based on available standards. Semiquantified concentrations exceeded those of target analytes, demonstrating the critical role of this method in capturing broader PFAS contamination. In this case, validation against extractable organofluorine (EOF) showed a 102% closed mass balance. The innovative approach not only enables comprehensive PFAS contamination assessment in complex matrices but also expands the scope of the NTS for environmental monitoring, remediation, and risk assessment of AFFF-contaminated sites.

PMID:40177898 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.4c14255

J Am Soc Mass Spectrom. 2025 Apr 3. doi: 10.1021/jasms.5c00056. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

As ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) separations continue to be added to analytical workflows due to their power in environmental and biological sample analyses, harmonization and capability understanding between existing and newly released instruments are desperately needed. Developments in IMS platforms often exhibit focus on increasing resolving power (R_p) to better separate molecules of similar structure. While the additional separation capacity is advantageous, ensuring these developments coincide with appropriate data extraction and analysis methods is imperative to ensure routine adoption. Herein, we assess the performance of the MOBILion MOBIE in relation to a commercially available drift tube IMS-MS, the Agilent 6560, and evaluate feature extraction and analysis pipelines. Both instruments were operated using matched conditions when possible, and performance metrics of scan speed, R_p, limits of detection (LOD), and propensity for isomer separation via LC-IMS-MS were evaluated. Similar scan speeds pertaining to IMS-MS frame generation were noted for both platforms, and collision cross section (CCS) values for the MOBIE were generally within ≤ 1% difference from previously reported drift tube values. Both platforms were also able to generate quantitative data (comparable limits of detection) in experiments with perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) mixtures in a cell-based model (both medium and cell lysates), as demonstrated in Skyline with adjusted mobility filtering parameters. Higher R_p was, however, noted on the MOBIE in comparison to the 6560 (200-300 vs 45-60 CCS/ΔCCS without data processing), allowing the detection of more PFAS isomers and indicating promise toward future applications in chemical exposomics studies and biomarker discovery when molecules exhibit similar structures.

PMID:40177972 | DOI:10.1021/jasms.5c00056

Environ Microbiol. 2025 Apr;27(4):e70087. doi: 10.1111/1462-2920.70087.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exhibit a widespread distribution across diverse global ecosystems throughout their lifecycle, posing substantial risks to human health. The persistence of PFAS makes biodegradation a challenging yet environmentally friendly solution for their treatment. In the authors' previous study, a bacterial consortium capable of reducing perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was successfully enriched from activated sludge. This study aimed to investigate the array of genes associated with PFOS reduction via biosorption and biotransformation to elucidate the metabolic pathways. Two metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) based on 16S rRNA sequences that share 99.86% and 97.88% similarity with Hyphomicrobium denitrificans and Paracoccus yeei, respectively were obtained. They were found to contain several genes encoding enzymes that potentially regulate biofilm formation of biosorption and facilitate the desulfonation and defluorination processes of biotransformation. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the high expression levels of these genes, including alkanesulfonate monooxygenase, catechol dioxygenase, (S)-2-haloacid dehalogenase and putative cytochrome P450, suggesting their involvement in PFOS biotransformation. The expression of these genes supports the presence of candidate metabolites of PFOS biotransformation detected in the previous study. These findings emphasise the significant potential of bacterial consortia and the crucial role played by genes encoding enzymes in facilitating the remediation of PFOS contaminants.

PMID:40170341 | DOI:10.1111/1462-2920.70087

Environ Sci Technol. 2025 Apr 2. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.5c02731. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic long-lasting chemicals. Marine sediment is a major repository for PFAS in the environment; accordingly, this work investigated 45 legacy and emerging PFAS in samples of surface sediments and sediment cores (1940s-2020s) collected in the Pearl River outlets, its estuary, and the adjacent northern South China Sea (NSCS), one of the global pollution hotspots. The range of total PFAS concentrations in surface sediments from the river outlets and the NSCS was 244-14400 pg/g dry weight (dw) and 31.6-363 pg/g dw, respectively. In sediment cores, perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) concentrations initially increased and then declined around ten years ago. Levels of long-chain perfluorinated carboxylates have been increasing since the 1980s and experienced an accelerated rise in the 2000s. Hydrogen-substituted polyfluoroalkyl ether sulfonate (H-PFESA) was widely found in sediment samples for the first time. The ratios of 6:2 H-PFESA to 6:2 chlorinated (Cl-) PFESA in sediment cores exceeded those in surface sediment and exhibited an increasing trend with the sediment age, implying the gradual transformation of 6:2 Cl-PFESA to its hydrogen-substituted analog in sediments. A preliminary risk assessment indicated that ∑6:2 PFESAs and PFOS posed medium to high risks over recent decades.

PMID:40172133 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.5c02731

Langmuir. 2025 Apr 2. doi: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.5c00124. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Understanding the molecular interactions of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) with phospholipids is crucial for elucidating their pathological mechanisms and developing PFAS remediation strategies. In this study, we employ atomistic molecular dynamics simulations to examine PFAS insertion into phospholipid bilayers, including anionic perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA), as well as neutral polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Our study shows that PFAS insertion into lipid bilayers is driven by the free energy gradient between bulk water and the lipid membrane. Positively charged trimethylammonium groups of phospholipids attract negatively charged PFAS, overcoming the surface hydration barrier. Hydrophobic interactions between PFAS fluoroalkyl tails and lipid chains generate a significant driving force for PFAS reorientation and insertion. The increase in electrostatic potential across the lipid surface aids anionic PFAS insertion, but their dehydration hinders further movement. PFAS insertion enhances membrane ordering and decreases lipid fluidity, potentially affecting cellular functions by modifying membrane rigidity. The extended chain length of PFAS facilitates its interactions with the lipid membrane, resulting in a more pronounced influence on altering its structural and dynamic properties.

PMID:40173325 | DOI:10.1021/acs.langmuir.5c00124

Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces. 2025 Mar 25;252:114653. doi: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2025.114653. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are recognised for their environmental persistence and bioaccumulation, necessitating a dependable detection technology. Traditional methods examine multiple facets. Electrochemical sensors represent a preferable alternative due to their reliability, real-time detection capabilities, and potential for on-site analysis. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) exhibit remarkable properties in analysis, including high sensitivity and selectivity, rapid response and efficient electron transfer capabilities. Nonetheless, the stability of MOFs occasionally poses issues in aquatic conditions. Utilising a microfluidic channel between interdigitated microelectrodes (IDμE) in a MOF-based electrochemical sensor for PFASa detection offers numerous advantages. It possesses a minimal limit of detection (LOD), comparable to cutting-edge ex-situ methodologies. The molecular interactions of the capture probes provide effective electrochemical transduction, while the nanoporous morphology of the materials and IDμE significantly enhance the signal-to-noise ratio. Extended diffusion durations impede detection abilities and limit molecular interactions between PFAS and electrode surfaces. The selectivity challenges involve differentiation problems and complex matrices. Accurately identifying PFAS compounds in samples is problematic, especially those with similar carbon chain lengths, and existing sensors are hindered by interference from non-fluorinated surfactants. Improvements in electrode design can be realised by the use of nonplanar interdigitated microelectrode arrays (NP-IDμE), the application of nanoporous and capacitive electrode technologies, and the incorporation of electrode nano-porosity to minimise non-specific adsorption. Improvements in signal and sensitivity can optimise the detection process. Signal increases can be attained by decoupling sensitivity and selectivity using force as a tuning parameter, employing ambient oxygen as a mediator molecule instead of expensive ferrocene, and utilising electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) for improved sensitivity. Integrating IoT with EC PFAS sensors indicates a promising future for environmental monitoring.

PMID:40174535 | DOI:10.1016/j.colsurfb.2025.114653

Toxicol Sci. 2025 Apr 2:kfaf047. doi: 10.1093/toxsci/kfaf047. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Zebrafish are widely leveraged for investigating Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) toxicity; however, there exists a data gap for employing zebrafish transcriptomic data for PFAS quantitative risk assessment. The present study exposed developing zebrafish at different start times and durations to 0-100 µM of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) to examine chemical-specific effects on transcriptomics-based point of departure estimates (tPODs). Study goals were to investigate if the tPODs were robust to differences in exposure start and duration, were protective of zebrafish apical outcomes, and were similar to recently published PFAS tPODs in other model organisms. Zebrafish tPODs were within 1.5 orders of magnitude across the three chemicals, exposure durations, and start times, except for the shortest and earliest exposure (6-24 hours post fertilization) for PFOS/PFOA. While corresponding apical endpoints were influenced by exposure scenario, tPODs were generally lower, and thus protective of zebrafish mortality and sublethal endpoints. The relationship between our tPODs and literature zebrafish toxicity effects was chemical-specific; only the PFOA tPODs were protective of all apical effects together, and PFOS/PFHxS tPODs were generally within the interquartile range of the effects concentrations. The zebrafish PFAS tPODs were also similar to previously published fathead minnow tPODs, while only the PFOS zebrafish tPODs were within one order of magnitude of the Daphnia magna PFOS tPOD. Our study emphasizes that the high throughput-compatible, in vivo developmental zebrafish platform is a feasible tool for detecting dose-dependent gene expression responses that can be leveraged for higher-tier assessments.

PMID:40175316 | DOI:10.1093/toxsci/kfaf047

Environ Health. 2025 Apr 2;24(1):16. doi: 10.1186/s12940-025-01170-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Per- and polyflouralkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of persistent chemicals used extensively in industries and consumer products due to their water-repellent properties. Studies have linked PFAS exposure to adverse health effects, and human exposure to PFAS, especially during pregnancy, is of great concern. In this study, we report how serum PFAS concentrations during pregnancy correlated with serum PFAS of partners from the same household. Further, we report how serum PFAS concentrations change during the course of pregnancy and associations between PFAS and blood lipid concentrations as well as exploratory analyses of associations between physical activity and PFAS concentrations.

METHODS: In this secondary analysis of data from the FitMum study conducted from 2018 to 2021, 216 healthy, pregnant women, and 110 of their partners were included. Non-fasting venous blood samples were collected from the mothers at three test visits during pregnancy and at delivery, where blood from partners were also collected. Serum samples from all timepoints were analyzed for 15 short- and long-chained PFAS using liquid chromatography triple quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometry. Total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglyceride blood concentrations were measured at three test visits during pregnancy and at delivery. Physical activity was measured with a wrist-worn activity tracker 24/7 from inclusion before gestational age week 15 + 0 and throughout pregnancy.

RESULTS: In serum samples we detected the following PFAS: PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, PFNA, PFDA, and PFUnDA. The maternal median concentrations at baseline were: PFOS: 4.09 ng/mL, PFOA: 0.81 ng/mL, PFHxS: 0.29 ng/mL, PFNA: 0.42 ng/mL, PFDA: 0.25 ng/mL, and PFUnDA: 0.19 ng/mL. Partner serum PFAS concentrations were 3-145% higher than maternal concentration (except for PFUnDA). PFAS concentrations correlated within couples. All PFAS decreased significantly during pregnancy (PFOS -23.1 percent 95%-CI [-31.9;-13.2] from baseline to delivery). All PFAS concentrations were associated with increased HDL-C concentrations. No associations between physical activity and maternal PFAS concentrations were found.

CONCLUSIONS: Overall, serum PFAS concentrations decreased during pregnancy. PFAS concentrations within households were strongly correlated. PFAS and HDL-C concentrations were positively associated. We found no associations between physical activity and serum PFAS concentrations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT03679130; 20/09/2018.

PMID:40176054 | DOI:10.1186/s12940-025-01170-x

Nat Commun. 2025 Apr 1;16(1):3118. doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-58040-w.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) migrate into the environment through various means, e.g., soil-amendment impurities and ambient atmospheric deposition, potentially resulting in vegetative uptake and migration to groundwater. Existing approaches for modeling sorption of PFAS commonly treat soil as an undifferentiated homogeneous medium, with distribution constants (e.g., K_d, K_oc) generated empirically using surface soils. Considering the limited mineral variety expected in weathered geologic media, PFAS mobility can be better understood by accounting for predictable mineral assemblages that are ubiquitously distributed in US soils. Here we explore the role of minerals and electrostatic sorption in controlling PFAS mobility in subsurface settings at contaminated agricultural sites by measuring geochemical parameters and PFAS, and calculating pH-dependent mineral surface charges through full soil and aquifer columns. These data suggest subsurface mobility of short-chain PFAS largely is controlled by aluminum-oxide mineral(oid) electrostatic sorption, whereas long-chain PFAS mobility is controlled by organic matter and air-water interfacial area.

PMID:40169557 | PMC:PMC11962083 | DOI:10.1038/s41467-025-58040-w

Transl Vis Sci Technol. 2025 Apr 1;14(4):1. doi: 10.1167/tvst.14.4.1.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Cataract, a major health concern among the elderly, can be influenced by environmental exposures. This study examines the association between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) exposure and cataract prevalence.

METHODS: Six serum PFAS concentrations were detected among 2119 U.S. adults aged 40 years or older based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Multivariable models, including weighted logistic regression, weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, and Bayesian kernel machine regression, were used to assess the association between individual and overall PFAS exposure and cataract prevalence. A mediation analysis was conducted for inflammation biomarkers.

RESULTS: Single exposure to perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHS) and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) was found to be markedly associated with cataract prevalence after adjustment for covariates (PFHS: odds ratio [OR], 1.579; 95% CI, 1.003-2.514; PFNA: OR, 1.629; 95% CI, 1.065-2.506). The WQS index was significantly associated with cataract (OR, 1.441; 95% CI, 1.130-1.837). PFNA and PFHS were the most influential exposures in the PFAS mixture. In the Bayesian kernel machine regression model, PFNA and PFHS exhibited the highest group posterior inclusion probability, aligning with the WQS results. Moreover, serum albumin and neutrophil counts were found to mediate the relationship between PFHS and cataract, accounting for -26.20% and -5.95% of the mediation effect, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to PFAS was positively associated with cataract, primarily driven by PFHS and PFNA. Mediation of serum albumin and neutrophil count was observed.

TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE: This study links PFAS exposure to cataract prevalence, suggesting reducing exposure could help in cataract prevention.

PMID:40168148 | DOI:10.1167/tvst.14.4.1

J Contam Hydrol. 2025 Mar 21;272:104550. doi: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2025.104550. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Passive flux meters (PFMs) directly measure groundwater chemistry mass flux and Darcy flux, providing insight into contaminant source-zone architecture and transport properties. This study uses PFMs to characterize PFAS flux in groundwater at a semiarid site with a thick (greater than 90-m) unsaturated zone where groundwater has been contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) related to the use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) for fire training and fire suppression. PFAS mass discharge (PFAS mass flux integrated over a control plane) in groundwater downgradient from several PFAS release areas is calculated using PFM results. In groundwater downgradient from fire-training areas, total PFAS mass discharge (summed across 14 compounds) was estimated to be between 6.0 and 31 g per day in 2020 and between 5.9 and 23 g per day in 2021. Site-specific documentation, generic information on AFFF properties, and literature values of PFAS concentration in AFFF are used to estimate site-specific PFAS-application rates at fire-training areas. These PFAS-application rates are compared to groundwater PFAS-discharge rates. Results suggest that transformation processes (exact pathways unknown) have led to increased discharge of measured PFAS in groundwater relative to initial AFFF formulations. The mass balance approach has broad applicability as a high-level approach that can provide insight into PFAS transport at AFFF sites.

PMID:40168810 | DOI:10.1016/j.jconhyd.2025.104550

iScience. 2025 Feb 25;28(3):112113. doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2025.112113. eCollection 2025 Mar 21.

ABSTRACT

Biochar has gained attention as a promising adsorbent for removing various environmental pollutants due to its availability, cost-effectiveness, eco-friendly nature, and high adsorption capacity. This review focuses on using biochar to remove poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), emerging contaminants that pose significant environmental and health risks due to their toxicity, persistence, and bioaccumulation potential. The classification of biochar and using pristine and functionalized biochar for pollutant removal are addressed, along with an overview of the various functionalization techniques employed to enhance biochar's adsorption capacity. Different factors influencing the removal of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), such as pH, the molecular chain length of PFAS, and biochar characteristics like pyrolysis temperature, particle size, and dosage, are investigated. Long-chain PFAS, such as perfluoro octane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), are more effectively adsorbed than short-chain PFAS, with competitive sorption effects observed in mixed-solution environments. A decrease in pH, smaller biochar particle sizes, and optimized pyrolysis temperatures have been found to enhance biochar's sorption capacity. Furthermore, biochar demonstrates higher efficiency in single-solution systems compared to mixed solutions when removing PFAS.

PMID:40160421 | PMC:PMC11951031 | DOI:10.1016/j.isci.2025.112113

ACS Phys Chem Au. 2025 Feb 4;5(2):117-133. doi: 10.1021/acsphyschemau.4c00092. eCollection 2025 Mar 26.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are persistent organic chemicals found in numerous industrial applications and everyday products. The excessive amounts of PFASs in water and soil, together with their link to severe health issues, have prompted substantial public concerns, making their removal from the environment a necessity. Existing degradation techniques are frequently lacking due to their low efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and potential for secondary contamination. Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP) technology has emerged as a promising alternative, utilizing energized reactive species to break down PFASs under ambient conditions. Therefore, this review examines the efficacy and effectiveness of CAP in degrading PFASs by reviewing various CAP setups and examining the key factors involved. This review also aims to further the development of CAP as a viable solution for PFAS degradation by addressing outstanding challenges and future directions in soil and water treatment.

PMID:40160949 | PMC:PMC11950857 | DOI:10.1021/acsphyschemau.4c00092

ACS Omega. 2025 Mar 14;10(11):11483-11497. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.4c11134. eCollection 2025 Mar 25.

ABSTRACT

Conventional nonfunctional polyester-coated paper is suitable for packaging, but this coated paper is nonrecyclable. Herein, we report paper coating materials recyclable and industrially compostable using functionalized polyester blends. First, carboxylic acid-functionalized polylactic acid (CPLA) and carboxylic acid-functionalized poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (CPBAT) were synthesized. CPLA, either alone or as a blend of CPLA and CPBAT, was emulsified and then applied for paper coating. The coated paper was tested to evaluate its water and oil repellency, gas and moisture barrier, sealing, and mechanical properties index. The coated paper's repulpability and recyclability were fully validated by certified methods. The compostability of the CPBAT- and CPLA-coated papers was also confirmed. This newly coated paper is PFAS- and persistent microplastics-free, and its recyclable nature fits into a circular economy approach.

PMID:40160760 | PMC:PMC11948148 | DOI:10.1021/acsomega.4c11134

Front Toxicol. 2025 Mar 14;7:1525089. doi: 10.3389/ftox.2025.1525089. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Regulatory values for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) vary widely across agencies, creating inconsistencies that challenge effective risk management and public health communication. These differences often stem from methodological choices in determining points of departure (PoDs), the selection of critical effect size (CES) and the modeling framework for benchmark dose (BMD) analysis. This study investigates the impact of CES selection on hazard characterization by analyzing how variations in CES influence resulting PoDs and health-based guidance values. A retrospective analysis of key studies from four regulatory PFAS risk assessments was conducted, covering both animal and epidemiological data (thyroid hormone, cholesterol, and vaccine response). CES options compared included 5%, 10%, one standard deviation from background, and a generalized effect size theory, using both frequentist and Bayesian statistics. The findings show that CES selection and statistical approach substantially affect BMD estimates such as the lower bound BMD (BMDL) of the respective confidence interval or credible interval; with larger CES values and Bayesian modeling yielding more biologically relevant, stable results. For instance, Bayesian methods provided narrower credible intervals, compared to frequentist methods at lower CES levels, minimizing overly conservative assessments. However, in comparison to the PoD previously derived by the European Food Safety Authority the results generally suggest lower values. In conclusion, this study supports the use of a flexible, endpoint-specific CES with Bayesian model averaging, which may enhance the accuracy and consistency of PFAS guidance values, offering a more robust foundation for regulatory risk assessments.

PMID:40161312 | PMC:PMC11949891 | DOI:10.3389/ftox.2025.1525089

Environ Sci Technol. 2025 Mar 31. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.4c07043. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Concentrations of 48 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were measured in settled dust samples from 65 homes of GenX Exposure Study participants residing near a fluorochemical manufacturing facility in North Carolina. Eight PFAS [perfluoro(3,5-dioxahexanoic) acid (aka PFO2HxA), perfluoro-2-(perfluoromethoxy)propanoic acid (PMPA), perfluoro-2-ethoxypropanoic acid (PEPA), 6:2 fluorotelomer phosphate diester (6:2 diPAP), 6:2/8:2 fluorotelomer phosphate diester (6:2/8:2 diPAP), perfluoropropanoic acid (PFPrA), perfluorodecanesulfonic acid (PFDS), and 2-(N-ethyl-perfluorooctanesulfonamido)acetic acid (N-EtFOSAA)] were detected in >90% of the dust samples. Dust concentrations of six per- and polyfluoroalkyl ether acids (PFEAs) produced at the facility (PEPA, PMPA, perfluoro-2-methoxyacetic acid (PFMOAA), PFO2HxA, hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA aka GenX), and ethanesulfonic acid, 2-[1-[difluoro(1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethoxy)methyl]-1,2,2,2- tetrafluoroethoxy]-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoro- (Nafion byproduct 2) were significantly negatively associated with home distance from the facility. Homes closer to the facility had higher summed mass concentrations of 12 targeted PFEAs (∑12PFEAs) but not higher ∑48PFAS. Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), an ultrashort chain PFAS, and three diPAPs (8:2/6:2 diPAP, 6:2 diPAP, and 8:2 diPAP) were the major contributors to ∑48PFAS, and these compounds did not show relationships with distance. Based on our previous findings associating PFEAs in well water and human serum, our current findings indicate dust could be an important PFAS exposure source.

PMID:40162913 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.4c07043

J Am Chem Soc. 2025 Mar 31. doi: 10.1021/jacs.5c00129. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Trifluoromethylation is a key transformation in drug and agrochemical synthesis, yet current reagents often suffer from high cost, low atom economy, and low scalability. Trifluoroacetate derivatives represent ideal reagents as they are highly abundant and cheap, but their very positive one electron oxidation potential (∼2.3 V vs NHE) often hampers their widespread use in photoredox catalysis. Indeed, at these potentials, selectively oxidizing trifluoroacetate over reaction solvent or partner substrates becomes challenging. Herein, we present a novel approach that circumvents these limitations through the use of a pentacationic Ir(III) photosensitizer that forms a strong 1:1 ion-pair with trifluoroacetate in acetonitrile (K_eq = 6 × 10⁴ M^-1). This ion-pair formation enables rapid and efficient photooxidation of trifluoroacetate in ∼90 ps without significant solvent or partner substrate oxidation, as indicated by femtosecond and nanosecond UV-visible transient absorption spectroscopy. The CF₃^• radicals so generated are shown to trifluoromethylate a range of partner substrates, including aromatic compounds, heterocycles, natural products and pharmaceutically relevant products, in moderate yields (20-60%). Control experiments reveal that ion-pairing is crucial for the successful generation of CF₃^• as photosensitizers that oxidize trifluoroacetate without forming ion pairs were ineffective for trifluoromethylation. This probably originates from the more thermodynamically accessible substrate oxidation outcompeting diffusional trifluoroacetate oxidation. The reaction was further exemplified to allow functionalization with a variety of perfluoroalkyl groups of different chain lengths. The approach reported herein could also be used for the removal and/or use of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called "forever chemicals", that have recently raised environmental and health concern.

PMID:40163021 | DOI:10.1021/jacs.5c00129

ACS Omega. 2025 Mar 14;10(11):11483-11497. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.4c11134. eCollection 2025 Mar 25.

ABSTRACT

Conventional nonfunctional polyester-coated paper is suitable for packaging, but this coated paper is nonrecyclable. Herein, we report paper coating materials recyclable and industrially compostable using functionalized polyester blends. First, carboxylic acid-functionalized polylactic acid (CPLA) and carboxylic acid-functionalized poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (CPBAT) were synthesized. CPLA, either alone or as a blend of CPLA and CPBAT, was emulsified and then applied for paper coating. The coated paper was tested to evaluate its water and oil repellency, gas and moisture barrier, sealing, and mechanical properties index. The coated paper's repulpability and recyclability were fully validated by certified methods. The compostability of the CPBAT- and CPLA-coated papers was also confirmed. This newly coated paper is PFAS- and persistent microplastics-free, and its recyclable nature fits into a circular economy approach.

PMID:40160760 | PMC:PMC11948148 | DOI:10.1021/acsomega.4c11134

Chemosphere. 2025 Mar 30;377:144361. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2025.144361. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

In 2011, 68 archived beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) liver samples collected from Cook Inlet and the eastern Chukchi Sea from 1989 to 2006 were characterized for 12 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) using targeted mass spectroscopy (MS) methods; however, at the time of the original analysis, high resolution MS (HRMS) methods were not readily available. This follow-up study utilizes both targeted as well as cutting-edge HRMS non-targeted analysis (NTA) techniques to screen for additional PFAS as well as potential contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in the chemical space under investigation. Targeted analysis detected perfluorodecanesulfonic acid (PFDS) and perfluoroheptane sulfonic acid (PFHpS) in 10 % and 9 % of liver samples, respectively. PFDS detections were observed only in Cook Inlet whales while PFHpS was detected in whales from both locations. In addition, NTA identified four dibrominated pyrrole ring structures two with a sulfate (C₈H₁₁NBr₂SO₃, and C₉H₁₃NBr₂SO₃, Schymanski level 3), and two with either a sulfonate or a sulfate and hydroxy group (C₈H₁₁NBr₂SO₄, C₉H₁₃NBr₂SO₄, Schymanski level 4) in whales from the eastern Chukchi Sea. Literature search reveals similar brominated metabolites from marine bacteria, sponges, and other marine organisms, suggesting the brominated CECs are of marine origin.

PMID:40164021 | DOI:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2025.144361

ACS Omega. 2025 Mar 14;10(11):11483-11497. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.4c11134. eCollection 2025 Mar 25.

ABSTRACT

Conventional nonfunctional polyester-coated paper is suitable for packaging, but this coated paper is nonrecyclable. Herein, we report paper coating materials recyclable and industrially compostable using functionalized polyester blends. First, carboxylic acid-functionalized polylactic acid (CPLA) and carboxylic acid-functionalized poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (CPBAT) were synthesized. CPLA, either alone or as a blend of CPLA and CPBAT, was emulsified and then applied for paper coating. The coated paper was tested to evaluate its water and oil repellency, gas and moisture barrier, sealing, and mechanical properties index. The coated paper's repulpability and recyclability were fully validated by certified methods. The compostability of the CPBAT- and CPLA-coated papers was also confirmed. This newly coated paper is PFAS- and persistent microplastics-free, and its recyclable nature fits into a circular economy approach.

PMID:40160760 | PMC:PMC11948148 | DOI:10.1021/acsomega.4c11134

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2025 Mar 29;294:118107. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118107. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of compounds associated with adverse health outcomes, have been identified widely in humans. This study investigated the determinants of PFAS in plasma collected from pregnant women enrolled in the Japan Environment and Children's Study from 2011 to 2014. Several machine learning approaches were used, and the XGBoost model had the best predictive performance for seven PFAS quantified in more than 50 % of the population (from R² = 0.34 and RMSE = 0.39 ng/mL for perfluorononanoic acid to R² = 0.85 and RMSE = 0.19 ng/mL for perfluoroundecanoic acid). Feature analysis revealed that variation among regional centres was the most critical determinant. While parity was negatively associated with most PFAS concentrations and maternal age was positively associated with it, a positive interaction between parity and age suggests that PFAS accumulation with increasing age may have a greater impact than the reduction in PFAS levels associated with parity. Fish intakes demonstrated strong interactions with regional centres, leading to elevated PFAS levels in specific regions. Moreover, the cumulative effect of multiple weak interactions between determinants may have influenced PFAS concentrations in maternal plasma. Our models correlate more than 200 determinants with maternal PFAS concentrations while accounting for key interactions, providing a novel perspective regarding the effects of physical conditions, behaviours and dietary consumption on PFAS in pregnant women. This study provides valuable insights into the determinants of plasma PFAS concentrations and contributes to risk assessment and management strategies for pregnant populations.

PMID:40158379 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118107

Mar Pollut Bull. 2025 Mar 29;215:117873. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117873. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) can enter the oceans through a variety of pathways and pose potential risk to environment and ecosystem. The Taiwan Strait and Luzon Strait are critical ecological areas and important channels for shipping. The concentrations of PFAS in water from the Taiwan Strait ranged from 0.59 to 25.87 ng/L, while from the Luzon Strait between 0.09 and 14.98 ng/L. The emission flux of PFAS in Minjiang River had the largest contribution to the Taiwan Strait. Provenance of PFBA, PFOA and PFMOPrA mainly attribute to industrial and agricultural activities, further confirming the sources from the terrestrial anthropogenic activities. Besides, the ecological risk assessment showed that PFAS was the most sensitive to fish and the least sensitive to algae. However, the ecological risk of PFAS to organisms at different trophic levels was less than 0.1, illustrating that there would be no significant ecosystem impacts.

PMID:40158436 | DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117873

Environ Health. 2025 Mar 28;24(1):13. doi: 10.1186/s12940-025-01168-5.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental pollutants, and have been detected in human blood. Although PFAS may increase the risk of breast cancer in humans, findings from previous epidemiological studies on the link between PFAS and breast cancer are controversial. Additionally, most studies of PFAS to date did not distinguish between isomers. Here, we examined the association of PFAS exposure and breast cancer risk in Brazilian women, who represent a racially and ethnically diverse group.

METHODS: We conducted a case-control study of 471 women with breast cancer and 471 matched controls attending hospitals in São Paulo, Brazil from 2001 to 2006. Plasma concentrations of PFAS congeners were measured using in-port arylation gas chromatography-isotope dilution mass spectrometry with electron capture negative ionization. Linear and branched PFAS isomers were isolated and quantified separately. We derived multivariable-adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for breast cancer and hormone-receptor subtypes according to plasma PFAS concentration.

RESULTS: In overall analyses, higher plasma concentrations of n-perfluoroheptane sulfonate (n-PFHpS), perfluoro-3-methyl-heptane sulfonate (3 m-PFOS), and n-perfluorononanoic acid were significantly associated with increased risk of breast cancer. Adjusted odds ratios for low, medium, and high n-PFHpS concentrations were 1.00, 1.28, and 2.00 (95% confidence interval = 1.15, 3.48), respectively (P for trend = 0.015). Furthermore, plasma 3 m-PFOS concentration and total perfluorooctanoic acid concentration were significantly associated with increased risk of breast cancer among mixed-ethnicity women. In Caucasian women, a higher plasma perfluoro-4-methyl-heptane sulfonate concentration was also associated with increased risk of breast cancer. Increased plasma n-PFHpS concentration was significantly associated with higher risk of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer but not with increased risk of hormone receptor-negative breast cancer.

CONCLUSIONS: Several plasma PFAS appear to increase the risk of breast cancer. Our findings suggest the importance of isomer analysis, subgroup analysis by ethnicity, and breast cancer subtype analysis for accurately characterizing this risk.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.

PMID:40155936 | PMC:PMC11951677 | DOI:10.1186/s12940-025-01168-5

Toxicol Sci. 2025 Mar 28:kfaf042. doi: 10.1093/toxsci/kfaf042. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The polyfluorinated alkyl substance (PFAS) Nafion BP2 (1,1,2,2-tetrafluoro-2-[1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoro-3-(1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethoxy)propan-2-yl]oxyethane-1-sulfonic acid) has been detected in surface and ground water, as well as in the blood of people living near PFAS manufacturing facilities. Given that very little is known about the potential toxicity of Nafion BP2 and safe exposure levels have not yet been determined, we performed a benchmark dose analysis of phenotypic and genomic effects in mice. Male and female Balb-c mice were exposed daily to Nafion BP2 at multiple doses for 7 days by oral gavage. Full-genome transcript profiling showed that Nafion BP2 in both sexes activates a number of transcription factors linked to liver toxicity, including constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), pregnane X receptor, and NRF2, but unlike other long-chain PFAS, there was no activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α. Nafion BP2 caused hepatic steatosis in both sexes. Benchmark dose (BMD) estimates for 15 non-genomic effects were 0.25 mg/kg/day and above. BMDs for transcriptional effects were 0.04 mg/kg/day and above. The most sensitive gene sets in both males and females were related to effects on xenobiotic metabolism and the cell cycle, which are plausibly related at a mechanistic level to activation of CAR. The xenobiotic metabolism and cell cycle findings were largely consistent when dose values based on internal dose were employed in the analysis. These values, along with the identification of molecular targets linked to hazards, may facilitate the determination of human health guidance for Nafion BP2.

PMID:40156140 | DOI:10.1093/toxsci/kfaf042

Toxicol Sci. 2025 Mar 28:kfaf044. doi: 10.1093/toxsci/kfaf044. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are "forever chemicals" and pervasive environmental contaminants associated with cancer. Epidemiological studies found that an increased incidence of hormone-sensitive breast cancer is correlated with PFAS exposure. Cell-based assays provide a well-controlled experimental platform to quantify cellular responses as a function of exposure. Given the nearly 15,000 known PFAS on the Environmental Protection Agency's toxicity database (DSSTox), in vitro models are the only feasible approach to screen this large molecular library. One of the Hallmarks of Cancer is increased migration and invasion, two processes that are the gateway to metastasis. Using a paper-based invasion assay developed in our lab, we compared the invasion of the MCF7 and M231 cell lines after acute and prolonged exposures to two legacy PFAS compounds individually and in equimolar mixtures: PFOA and PFOS. An acute exposure matches many invasion assays, evaluating cellular movement over a 24-h period in the presence of the molecule of interest. The prolonged exposures in this work exposed five consecutive cell passages to the PFAS. We hypothesized that prolonged PFAS exposures would select for invasive sub-populations. These prolonged exposures increased MCF7 and M231 cells compared to acute exposures of the same PFAS concentration (10 µM). The prolonged exposures to PFOA and PFOS at environmentally relevant concentrations (10 nM) did not increase invasion. Our results highlight the need to assess different exposure durations in vitro and that the paper-based invasion assay is a reasonable screening tool.

PMID:40156146 | DOI:10.1093/toxsci/kfaf044

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2025 Mar 29. doi: 10.1007/s11356-025-36308-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pose significant health and environmental risks due to their persistence and potential for bioaccumulation. Using a new analytical method, we quantified PFAS in maple sap and syrup from Indigenous lands in the Ceded Territories, a largely under-surveyed area. Our investigation focuses on maple products due to their cultural significance to Ojibwe communities, and economic importance as harvestable resources. We detected two PFAS (PFBA and PFPeA) in maple sap, and ten PFAS (8:2 FTSA, N-EtFOSE, N-MeFOSE, PFBA, PFBS, PFDoA, PFHxA, PFOA, PFPeA, and PFTeDA) in maple syrup at low concentrations that do not presently pose an immediate health risk for human consumption in this area. This study is the first to detect PFAS in both maple sap and syrup, demonstrating the efficacy of an adapted analytical method with low detection limits (> 1 ng/L) for a broad range of PFAS compounds. This method represents a novel application of established techniques to test previously unstudied matrices. Indigenous herbalists encourage paying close attention to plants, as they offer valuable insight into environmental well-being, including the presence of contamination. Given that maple sap and syrup reflect environmental contamination from various sources including rainwater, groundwater, porous water, and soil, we propose that maple trees can be used as a biomonitoring system for PFAS across a forested area. This tribally driven approach can help assess ecosystem health and evaluate potential human health risk associated with PFAS contamination in maple products.

PMID:40156707 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-025-36308-4

Environ Sci Technol. 2025 Mar 29. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.4c12654. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Emerging pollutants increasingly threaten aquatic ecosystems and human health. However, the risk assessment of these pollutants is constrained by insufficient toxicity data for aquatic species. In this study, a predictive framework has been established to predict the toxicity of potential pollutants across 16 aquatic species, including marine and freshwater species of varying trophic levels and to simulate their species sensitivity distributions (SSDs). Machine learning analysis indicated that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and organophosphate esters (OPEs) exhibited higher toxicity in marine species compared to freshwater species. The presence of aromatic rings and chlorine substituents was associated with increased toxicity of the OPEs, and the toxicity of alkyl OPEs showed a positive correlation with side chain length. Key parameters affecting PFAS toxicity included the chain length, substituent type, and number of ether bonds. Additionally, a comprehensive ecological risk assessment framework, integrating persistence, bioaccumulation, toxicity, and concentration, was developed to evaluate 13 PFASs and 6 OPEs in the Bohai Sea. Notably, our assessment framework identified several compounds, such as perfluorododecanoic acid, perfluoro(3,5-dioxahexanoic) acid, and tris(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate, previously considered as low or nonrisk, as posing significant ecological risks in this region. Thus, this framework offers a robust tool for advancing the risk assessment of emerging aquatic pollutants.

PMID:40156878 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.4c12654

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2025 Mar 27;294:118087. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118087. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) may be associated with an increased prevalence of some kidney diseases. Kidney stones are common and have a high prevalence of kidney diseases. However, there is no evidence for the effect and potential mechanisms of PFAS on kidney stone risk. In this study, we designed a cross-sectional study using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) data from 2017 to 2020. Our results revealed that PFAS were positively associated with kidney stone risk, and PFDA was the main contributing compound among PFAS. The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and the systemic immune-inflammatory (SII) index had significant mediation effects. In addition, target proteins, such as IL-6, TNF, ALB, IL-1B, and AKT1, and signaling pathways, including TNF and IL-17 pathways, might be potential mechanisms of PFAS in promoting kidney stone risk. In conclusion, PFAS, especially PFDA, increases the risk of kidney stones by the mediation effects of the TyG index and SII index. TNF and IL-17 signaling pathways may be potential mechanisms. Our findings provide new evidence for the effects and potential mechanisms of PFAS exposure in increasing kidney stone risk. However, in the future, it is still imperative to further explore and validate the underlying mechanisms of PFAS-induced kidney stone formation through experimental studies.

PMID:40157329 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118087

Environ Pollut. 2025 Mar 27:126130. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126130. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Temporal trends of contaminants represent an important tool to evaluate the effectiveness of chemical restriction measures. In this work, 50 eggs of Adèlie penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae) collected along the Ross Sea coasts from 1997 to 2021 were analysed for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE), perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Some PCB congeners showed a significantly decreasing trend, whereas HCB and p,p'-DDE indicated decreasing but not significant trends, potentially related to the unintentional production of HCB and ongoing use of DDT, even if a contribution from climate-driven remobilisation mechanisms may also play a role. PBDE-47 also indicated a decreasing but not significant trend, which might be explained by the more recent global restriction. PFAS trends agreed with what has been previously observed in the Arctic, i.e. significantly decreasing perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) according to its global ban and increasing long-chain perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs). Correlations with selected climate parameters showed an association between PBDE-47 and sampling year precipitations. To our knowledge, this work represents the longest time trend study of pollutants in penguins from the Ross Sea and the first one reporting PFAS. It highlights the importance of global regulations for the contaminant developments in polar ecosystems.

PMID:40157488 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126130

Sci Total Environ. 2025 Mar 26;974:178944. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.178944. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pose persistent environmental and health challenges, requiring the development of effective removal strategies. Rapid Small-Scale Column Tests (RSSCTs) provide a cost-effective approach to evaluating the performance of adsorbents for PFAS removal. Current literature emphasized that the chain length of PFAS tails and the functional groups of PFAS heads play a crucial role in breakthrough behavior, with shorter chains and carboxylate PFAS leading to earlier breakthroughs. Besides, resin-based adsorbents outperform their carbon-based adsorbents counterparts, treating more bed volumes before breakthrough occurs. Furthermore, it is important to note that Proportional Diffusivity (PD)-RSSCTs scaling approach can tend to overestimate full-scale adsorber performance, while Constant Diffusivity (CD)-RSSCTs model can align more closely with pilot-scale application. These findings emphasize the necessity of considering various factors when designing and interpreting RSSCT experiments to achieve effective PFAS removal. Lastly, the presence of existing organic matters in water has a detrimental effect on PFAS adsorption, thus hastening breakthroughs. Overall, the present review study addresses: (i) a summary of PFAS removal on resin- and carbon-based adsorbents using RSSCTs, (ii) a description of the breakthrough curve models, (iii) an in-depth discussion of the PFAS interactions with carbon- and resin-based adsorbents, and (iv) an evaluation of the impact of variables on the PFAS adsorption in RSSCTs. As a result, this literature review identifies future research needs and challenges regarding the adsorption of PFAS by resin- and carbon-based adsorbents in fixed-bed column processes.

PMID:40154085 | DOI:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.178944

Int J Hyg Environ Health. 2025 Mar 27;266:114568. doi: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114568. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are emerging environmental contaminants with potential metabolic and endocrine-disrupting properties that may affect women's reproductive health. However, their specific role in pregnancy loss remains relatively understudied.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the association between exposure to multiple PFAS and the association with pregnancy loss (PL) in a population from Northwest China using an environment-wide association study (EWAS) approach.

METHODS: A case-control study was conducted at a university-affiliated reproductive center, enrolling 348 women with a history of PL and 320 controls with at least one live birth and no history of pregnancy loss. Serum concentrations of ten PFAS were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) following a standardized extraction and purification protocol. Demographic and clinical data were collected via a structured questionnaire. An elastic net regression model (ENRM) was employed for variable selection, identifying PFASs to be included in the subsequent EWAS analysis. Associations between individual PFAS and PL were then evaluated using logistic regression, and EWAS was utilized to explore the overall associations between PFAS mixture exposure and PL, accounting for potential interactions and multicollinearity.

RESULTS: The EWAS identified five PFASs-PFPeS, PFHxS, PFOA, PFOS, and PFNA-with significantly higher exposure odds in pregnancy loss cases versus live birth controls (adjusted ORs: 1.82 [1.31-2.62], 1.34 [1.19-1.51], 1.73 [1.46-2.07], 1.33 [1.14-1.56], and 1.73 [1.40-2.15], respectively). Subgroup analyses confirmed robust associations, with PFOA consistently linked to elevated exposure odds across demographic and clinical strata.

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates a significant association between exposure to multiple PFAS, notably PFPeS, PFHxS, PFOA, PFOS, and PFNA, and an increased risk of pregnancy loss in a Northwest Chinese population. The particularly robust association observed with PFOA across diverse subgroups underscores its potential as a significant environmental risk factor for PL. These findings highlight the need for further research to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and to develop strategies for reducing PFAS exposure among women of reproductive age.

PMID:40154148 | DOI:10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114568

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2025 Mar 27;294:118103. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118103. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The potential impact of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on vitamin D status in postmenopausal women remains unexplored. This study examined the effects of individual PFAS and their combined exposures on vitamin D biomarkers among 2114 postmenopausal women utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning 2003-2018. The serum levels of four PFAS compounds, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), were assessed alongside the 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] level. Our findings indicated that elevated log-transformed PFAS concentrations were significantly associated with reduced 25(OH)D levels (β_PFOS: -15.969, 95 % CI: -19.154, -12.785; β_PFOA: -17.288, 95 % CI: -22.446, -12.131; β_PFNA: -8.510, 95 % CI: -12.148, -4.871; β_PFHxS: -4.056, 95 % CI: -7.003, -1.110) and increased odds of vitamin D deficiency (OR_PFOS: 2.495, 95 % CI: 1.685, 3.694; OR_PFOA: 3.146, 95 % CI: 1.823, 5.429; OR_PFNA: 1.906, 95 % CI: 1.357, 2.677; OR_PFHxS: 1.480, 95 % CI: 1.109, 1.976). These associations were modified by race, the family incomepoverty ratio and the survey cycle. Notably, non-Hispanic White individuals presented a stronger inverse association between PFOS exposure and 25(OH)D levels. Bayesian kernel machine regression and weighted quantile sum analyses demonstrated that the effects of exposure to mixtures of the four studied PFAS were consistent with the effects of exposure to individual PFAS. These findings indicate that exposure to individual PFAS, particularly PFOA and PFOS, and their four mixtures may adversely affect serum 25(OH)D concentrations in postmenopausal women, underscoring the need for further investigation into the potential impact of PFAS on vitamin D status in this population.

PMID:40154225 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118103

Chemosphere. 2025 Mar 27;377:144323. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2025.144323. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as "forever chemicals", have become a major focus of current research due to their toxicity and persistence in the environment. These synthetic compounds are notoriously difficult to degrade, accumulating in water systems and posing long-term health and environmental risks. Adsorption is one of the most investigated technologies for PFAS removal. This review comprehensively reviewed the PFAS adsorption process, focusing not only on the adsorption itself, but also on the behavior of PFAS in the aquatic environment prior to adsorption because these behaviors directly affect PFAS adsorption. Significantly, this review summarized in detail the advances made in PFAS adsorption from the computational approach and emphasized the importance of integrated experimental and computational studies in gaining molecular-level understanding on the adsorption mechanisms of PFAS. Toward the end, the review identified several critical research gaps and suggested key interdisciplinary research needs for further advancing our understanding on PFAS adsorption.

PMID:40153986 | DOI:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2025.144323

Environ Pollut. 2025 Mar 26;373:126123. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126123. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Existing studies have found inconclusive associations between prenatal exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and offspring neurodevelopment. However, there is a significant gap in research involving African American populations, who face higher levels of exposure to many POPs relative to other groups. In this study, we assessed the joint effects of PFAS and PBDEs on child behavior problems among mother-child pairs in Atlanta, Georgia. Our study population included a subset of mother-child pairs participating in a prospective birth cohort (N = 159) for whom exposure and outcome data were available. Four PFAS and three PBDEs were measured in serum samples obtained during the first trimester of pregnancy. The Child Behavior Checklist was administered annually from ages 1-5 years and used to assess internalizing and externalizing behavior problems (averaged across all timepoints). We used quantile g-computation, Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), and self-organizing maps (SOM) to assess associations between POPs mixtures and internalizing and externalizing behavior problems. Using quantile g-computation, we observed that increasing concentrations of prenatal PBDEs were associated with more internalizing and externalizing behavior problems (e.g., Ѱ = 0.20, 95 % CI = 0.04, 0.36 for externalizing problems). The SOM cluster reflecting high PFAS and high PBDEs was similarly associated with an increase in internalizing and externalizing behavior problems compared to the reference cluster (e.g., β = 0.44 95 % CI = 0.08, 0.81 for internalizing problems). The positive associations were attributable to PBDEs, while PFAS were negatively associated with both outcomes across all three methods. To conclude, among mother-child pairs in Atlanta, we observed that exposure to PFAS and PBDEs was associated with internalizing and externalizing behavior problems between 1 and 5 years of age.

PMID:40154865 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126123

Int J Hyg Environ Health. 2025 Mar 27;266:114568. doi: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114568. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are emerging environmental contaminants with potential metabolic and endocrine-disrupting properties that may affect women's reproductive health. However, their specific role in pregnancy loss remains relatively understudied.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the association between exposure to multiple PFAS and the association with pregnancy loss (PL) in a population from Northwest China using an environment-wide association study (EWAS) approach.

METHODS: A case-control study was conducted at a university-affiliated reproductive center, enrolling 348 women with a history of PL and 320 controls with at least one live birth and no history of pregnancy loss. Serum concentrations of ten PFAS were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) following a standardized extraction and purification protocol. Demographic and clinical data were collected via a structured questionnaire. An elastic net regression model (ENRM) was employed for variable selection, identifying PFASs to be included in the subsequent EWAS analysis. Associations between individual PFAS and PL were then evaluated using logistic regression, and EWAS was utilized to explore the overall associations between PFAS mixture exposure and PL, accounting for potential interactions and multicollinearity.

RESULTS: The EWAS identified five PFASs-PFPeS, PFHxS, PFOA, PFOS, and PFNA-with significantly higher exposure odds in pregnancy loss cases versus live birth controls (adjusted ORs: 1.82 [1.31-2.62], 1.34 [1.19-1.51], 1.73 [1.46-2.07], 1.33 [1.14-1.56], and 1.73 [1.40-2.15], respectively). Subgroup analyses confirmed robust associations, with PFOA consistently linked to elevated exposure odds across demographic and clinical strata.

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates a significant association between exposure to multiple PFAS, notably PFPeS, PFHxS, PFOA, PFOS, and PFNA, and an increased risk of pregnancy loss in a Northwest Chinese population. The particularly robust association observed with PFOA across diverse subgroups underscores its potential as a significant environmental risk factor for PL. These findings highlight the need for further research to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and to develop strategies for reducing PFAS exposure among women of reproductive age.

PMID:40154148 | DOI:10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114568

Environ Pollut. 2025 Mar 26;373:126133. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126133. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

In this study, legacy and novel perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in dissolved and particulate phase samples of Xiaoqing River from the headwater to estuary region were investigated. The downstream area of Xiaoqing River was found to be heavily influenced by discharged wastewater from a fluorochemical industry park and possessed an extremely high total PFAS concentration (as high as 123,000 ng/L for July and 2,170,000 ng/L for December in dissolved phase, and 33,600 ng/g dw for July and 741,000 ng/g dw for December in suspended particulate matter [SPM]). Various PFAS substance were observed in the samples: apart from a high concentration of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), several perfluoropolyether carboxylic acids (PFECAs) were also found in remarkable concentration, constituting ∼17 %-35 % of the dissolved phase. In the particulate phase, hexafluoropropylene oxide trimer acid (HFPO-TrA) was shown to concentrate, and together with PFOA it made up over 95 % of the total PFAS concentration. The distribution behavior of PFAS between dissolved and particulate phases was studied, and we observed that short-chain PFAS species such as perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) and perfluoromethoxyacetic acid (PFMOAA) involved in the distribution between dissolved and particulate phase. Such partitioning behavior was found to be seasonal and dependent on various environmental parameters, such as salinity, TOC and nutrients. We propose that this may be due to electrostatic interaction on the particle surface surpassing the classical hydrophobic interaction for certain short-chain PFAS, and it may be associated with the bioconcentration process of PFAS in certain mollusk species in the ocean.

PMID:40154864 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126133

Food Saf (Tokyo). 2025 Mar 21;13(1):19-21. doi: 10.14252/foodsafetyfscj.D-25-00009. eCollection 2025 Mar.

ABSTRACT

Food Safety Commission of Japan (FSCJ) conducted a self-tasking risk assessment of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food. Scientific findings and risk evaluation data regarding PFAS, of international organizations, government agencies in other countries, etc., were reviewed in the current risk assessment. The scientific literature related to three major compounds of PFAS, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), was surveyed and served for the discussion. Reference doses were derived from two animal experiments* described below. To determine the reference dose, dose estimation models developed by overseas evaluation institutions were adopted for conversion of POD (point of departure) in animal experiments to POD_HED (Human Equivalent Dose). Based on the discussions and estimation, the tolerable daily intake (TDI) was appropriately set as 20 ng/kg body weight/day (2×10^-5 mg/kg body weight/day) for PFOS and as 20 ng/kg body weight/day (2×10^-5 mg/kg body weight/day) for PFOA. Insufficient scientific findings precluded the evaluation to specify a reference dose of PFHxS. The average daily intake in Japan was obtained from the Total Diet Study conducted in a limited number of regions during the fiscal years 2012-2014: PFOS (Lower Bound to Upper Bound (LB-UB)** 0.60-1.1 ng/kg body weight/day, and PFOA (LB-UB) 0.066-0.75 ng/kg body weight/day. These values were lower than the TDIs. Due to the lack of sufficient data on PFAS concentrations and their distribution in various foods, it is necessary to be aware of these intake estimates carrying considerable uncertainty.

PMID:40151326 | PMC:PMC11937840 | DOI:10.14252/foodsafetyfscj.D-25-00009

Environ Toxicol Chem. 2025 Mar 27:vgaf083. doi: 10.1093/etojnl/vgaf083. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

We investigated the accumulation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in earthworms (Eisenia andrei). Uptake kinetics and bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) were determined using a mixture of 16 PFAS by exposing earthworms to spiked artificial soil for up to 28 d. Two treatments were used, with the low treatment targeting environmentally relevant concentrations. The concentrations of PFAS remained relatively unchanged during the exposures and statistically significant rates of uptake were estimated for most individual PFAS. For the 0.01 mg/kg treatment (target concentration of each PFAS), steady state was reached for all PFAS except PFHpS, PFHxS, PFOS, PFTeDA, and PFTrDA. For the 0.01 mg/kg treatment, bioaccumulation factors (BAF; kg/kg-dry wt.) ranged from 4 to 49 for most PFAS, but were higher for PFHxS (72), PFTeDA (271), and PFUnA (299). Organic-carbon-normalized BAFs were within the range of published values. The BAF values increased with increasing length of the alkyl chain for perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs), but not for perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs). Uptake rates and BAFs were lower for the 1 mg/kg treatment, typically by over one order of magnitude, likely because of sublethal physiological impairment. Fast and steep decreases in tissue concentrations of PFAS occurred when earthworms were transferred to clean soil, even for long chain PFAS, overall agreeing with previous reports. However, measured elimination rates were faster than predicted from the uptake experiments and the causes remain unknown. Bioaccumulation of PFAS was also investigated in exposures to aqueous medium for up to 7 d to derive bioconcentration factors (BCFs). Comparison of BCFs and BAFs suggests that uptake from soil may have higher relevance compared to dermal uptake from porewater for long-chain PFCAs and PFSAs.

PMID:40152252 | DOI:10.1093/etojnl/vgaf083

Environ Sci Technol. 2025 Mar 28. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.4c14726. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Nanobubbles (NBs) have been utilized to enhance the removal of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from water. However, the effectiveness of NBs under various operational conditions, including varying PFAS concentrations, pH levels, and the presence of coexisting ions, has remained insufficiently explored. A deeper understanding of these interfacial interactions is crucial to optimizing and maximizing the efficiency of NBs in PFAS removal. This study aims to bridge these knowledge gaps by systematically exploring the role of NBs in augmenting the adsorption of legacy PFAS on various carbon-based adsorbents, including granular activated carbon (GAC), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and graphene. Our experimental results demonstrated a significant improvement in PFAS adsorption on carbon-based adsorbents in the presence of NBs, with the enhancement effect particularly pronounced at a high initial PFAS concentration (50 mg L^-1). Acidic conditions notably facilitated PFAS removal in the NB-assisted carbon adsorption system, aligning well with the predictions from the Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory. Furthermore, ionic strength was found to play a critical role, with lower levels stabilizing NBs and promoting interactions with adsorbent surfaces, while higher levels reduced the effectiveness of NBs. Additionally, multivalent cations (particularly Fe³⁺) showed a substantially greater enhancement in PFAS removal efficiency compared to Na⁺ and Ca²⁺. This study deepens the understanding of NB-assisted PFAS removal using carbon-based adsorbents and provides practical insights into optimizing treatment processes.

PMID:40152332 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.4c14726

Environ Health (Wash). 2024 Dec 3;3(3):291-307. doi: 10.1021/envhealth.4c00166. eCollection 2025 Mar 21.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been associated with an increased risk of acute coronary syndromes (ACS), but the influence on the degree of coronary stenosis and prognosis is unclear. This study enrolled 571 newly diagnosed ACS cases and investigated the association of 12 PFAS with coronary stenosis severity and prognosis. Coronary stenosis was assessed via Gensini score (GS) and number of lesioned vessels (LVN). Prognosis was estimated by tracking major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Statistical analyses included ordered logistic regression, Cox regression, threshold effect models, Bayesian kernel machine regression, and quantile g-computation models. The adverse outcome pathway (AOP) framework was applied to reveal the underlying mechanism. The results showed positive association between perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and coronary stenosis, with an odds ratio (95% confidence interval, CI) of 1.33 (1.06, 1.67) for GS and 1.36 (1.08, 1.71) for LVN. PFOS significantly increased the incidence of poor prognosis, with hazard ratios (95% CI) of 1.96 (1.34, 2.89) for MACE. Threshold effects were observed for PFAS on coronary stenosis and prognosis, with PFOS thresholds of 4.65 ng/mL for GS, 4.54 ng/mL for LVN, and 5.14 ng/mL for MACE, and 5.03 ng/mL for nonfatal myocardial infarction. PFAS mixture exposure increased the occurrence of MACE and nonfatal myocardial infarction. The AOP framework shows that PFAS may impact protein binding, the cytoskeleton, multicellular biological processes, and heart function. In summary, our study revealed the adverse effects of PFAS on the degree of coronary stenosis and prognosis in ACS and identified potentially relevant molecular loci.

PMID:40144317 | PMC:PMC11934203 | DOI:10.1021/envhealth.4c00166

Environ Sci Technol. 2025 Mar 26. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.4c13205. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Accumulating evidence suggests a strong correlation between air pollution and neurological disorders; however, appropriate models and methodologies are currently lacking. In this study, a human nasal RPMI 2650 cell model based on air-liquid interface culture was discovered to possess olfactory epithelial cells. Two short-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), PFBA and PFHxA, were used to validate the performance of the model. RNA sequencing initially revealed the adverse effects of two PFAS at environmentally relevant concentrations. Their effects on key nasal epithelial cell functions, including barrier protection, solute transport, and neuronal activity, were separately investigated. Both PFBA and PFHxA disrupted membrane integrity and increased cellular transport capacity, as indicated by the upregulation of ABC transporters. Additionally, they inhibited tight junction proteins, including ZO-1, claudin-3, and occludin, while increasing mucin expression and mucus secretion. PFHxA exhibited stronger effects in most assays and uniquely induced a significant upregulation of NOTCH1 expression (p < 0.05), highlighting its potential hazards on olfactory neurons. This study proposed a novel in vitro test model with the matched respiratory epithelial and neuronal end points, which was expected to improve toxicological research and risk assessment of air pollutants.

PMID:40143553 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.4c13205

Micromachines (Basel). 2025 Mar 7;16(3):313. doi: 10.3390/mi16030313.

ABSTRACT

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) can convert the mechanical energy of physical activities into electricity. This is particularly useful in sports applications, where physical activity can power devices such as wearables that can provide real-time feedback on athletes' performance or health. To work, a TENG usually needs tribopositive and tribonegative materials. Currently, the vast majority of TENGs use materials containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as tribonegative materials. However, these substances pose risks to humans and the environment, which has led the European Union to consider restrictions on these compounds. For this reason, PFAS-free alternatives, such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and MXenes, need to be better explored to replace PFAS materials while aiming to achieve equal efficiency. This review will explore some of the recent advances that have been developed in the field of PFAS-free TENGs, with an emphasis on sports applications.

PMID:40141924 | PMC:PMC11944490 | DOI:10.3390/mi16030313

Micromachines (Basel). 2025 Feb 28;16(3):283. doi: 10.3390/mi16030283.

ABSTRACT

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is one of the most persistent and bioaccumulative water contaminants. Sensitive, rapid, and in-field analysis is needed to ensure safe water supplies. Here, we present a single step (one shot) and rapid sensor capable of measuring PFOA at the sub-quadrillion (ppq) level, 4.5 × 10^-4 ppq, within 10 s. This innovative sensor employs a synergistic combination of a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)-modified gold interdigitated microelectrode chip and AC electrothermal effects (ACETs), which enhance detection sensitivity by facilitating the accelerated movement of PFOA molecules towards specific recognition sites on the sensing surface. The application of a predetermined AC signal induces microfluidic enrichment and results in concentration-dependent changes in interfacial capacitance during the binding process. This enables real-time, rapid quantification with exceptional sensitivity. We achieved a linear dynamic range spanning from 0.4 to 40 fg/L (4 × 10^-7-4 × 10^-5 ppt) and demonstrated good selectivity (~1:100) against other PFAS compounds, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOS), in PBS buffer. The sensor's straightforward operation, cost-effectiveness, elimination of the need for external redox probes, compact design, and functionality in relatively resistant environmental matrices position it as an outstanding candidate for deployment in practical applications.

PMID:40141894 | PMC:PMC11945770 | DOI:10.3390/mi16030283

Materials (Basel). 2025 Mar 15;18(6):1299. doi: 10.3390/ma18061299.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent organic pollutants of growing environmental and human health concern, widely detected across various environmental compartments. Effective remediation strategies are essential to mitigate their widespread impacts. This study compared the performance of two types of commercially available sorbent materials, granular activated carbon (GAC, Filtrasorb-400) and organoclays (OC-200, and modified organoclays Fluoro-sorb-100 and Fluoro-sorb-200) for the removal of three representative PFAS compounds: perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) from water. Both organoclays and modified organoclays outperformed GAC, likely due to electrostatic interactions between the anionic PFAS compounds and the cationic functional groups of the modified organoclays. A pseudo-second-order kinetic model best described the rapid sorption kinetics of PFOA, PFNA, and PFOS. For PFOA, OC-200 demonstrated the highest adsorption capacities (q_max = 47.17 µg/g). For PFNA and PFOS, Fluoro-sorb-100 was the most effective sorbent, with q_max values at 99.01 µg/g and 65.79 µg/g, respectively. Desorption studies indicated that the sorption of the three PFAS compounds on these commercially available sorbents was largely irreversible. This study highlights the effectiveness and sorption capacities of different types of commercial sorbents for PFAS removal and offers valuable insights into the selection of reactive media for PFAS removal from water under environmentally relevant conditions.

PMID:40141583 | PMC:PMC11943809 | DOI:10.3390/ma18061299

Nature. 2025 Apr;640(8057):100-106. doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-08698-5. Epub 2025 Mar 26.

ABSTRACT

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are persistent, bioaccumulative and anthropogenic pollutants that have attracted the attention of the public and private sectors because of their adverse impact on human health¹. Although various technologies have been deployed to degrade PFASs with a focus on non-polymeric functionalized compounds (perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid)^2-4, a general PFAS destruction method coupled with fluorine recovery for upcycling is highly desirable. Here we disclose a protocol that converts multiple classes of PFAS, including the fluoroplastics polytetrafluoroethylene and polyvinylidene fluoride, into high-value fluorochemicals. To achieve this, PFASs were reacted with potassium phosphate salts under solvent-free mechanochemical conditions, a mineralization process enabling fluorine recovery as KF and K₂PO₃F for fluorination chemistry. The phosphate salts can be recovered for reuse, implying no detrimental impact on the phosphorus cycle. Therefore, PFASs are not only destructible but can now contribute to a sustainable circular fluorine economy.

PMID:40140572 | DOI:10.1038/s41586-025-08698-5

Nature. 2025 Mar 26. doi: 10.1038/d41586-025-00882-x. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:40140506 | DOI:10.1038/d41586-025-00882-x

Environ Int. 2025 Mar 16;198:109382. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2025.109382. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Monitoring human exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) is of significant public health relevance, given the documented associations between PFAS exposure and a range of adverse health outcomes. This study aimed to provide a sensitive and reliable analytical approach for the determination of PFASs in human serum and to advance the understanding of PFAS exposure. Serum samples from 630 adult participants from the population-based Swiss Health Study pilot phase were analysed for 30 legacy and emerging PFASs. Quantitative analysis was performed after specific sample preparation using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The association between PFAS serum concentrations and selected demographic and behavioural parameters of interest was assessed using linear regression. The developed method enabled sensitive high-throughput analysis and resulted in reliable validation parameters and robust quantification performance. The study revealed that, while the prevalence of emerging PFASs was observed to be marginal, legacy PFASs predominated. Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS, geometric mean (GM) 6.6 ng/mL), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA, GM 1.3 ng/mL) and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS, GM 1.2 ng/mL) were detected in all serum samples and contributed 88 % to the median sum of determined PFASs (10.3 ng/mL). The levels of PFOA and PFOS were found to be associated with age and gender. Furthermore, PFOS levels were associated with consumption of fish, particularly freshwater species, while PFOA levels were negatively associated with the duration of breastfeeding. Regional disparities were also observed. Several results exceeded specific health thresholds for PFAS intake or human biomonitoring, but the observed values were overall comparable to similar studies conducted worldwide. The provision of comprehensive information on a wide range of legacy and emerging PFASs facilitates a more complete identification of possible sources of exposure, not only in the regions concerned, but also beyond, and establishes a robust foundation for the guidance of future investigations.

PMID:40147138 | DOI:10.1016/j.envint.2025.109382

Environ Int. 2025 Mar 25;198:109409. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2025.109409. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The persistent nature of the environmental contaminants per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has recently received considerable attention, particularly because of their adverse effects on immune system functionality in the context of vaccine responses to infectious diseases. Following COVID-19 vaccination, some studies have shown a significant negative correlation between serum PFAS concentrations and the humoral immune response to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein vaccination. However, the influence of PFAS on the cell-mediated immune response to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein post-COVID-19 vaccination remains underexplored. In the present study, we investigated the impact of a human blood-relevant PFAS mixture, containing perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), and perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA) on innate (monocytes and NK cells), cell-mediated (T cells) and B cells adaptive immune responses in COVID-19-vaccinated female and male healthy donors. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were exposed to a mixture of the six PFAS at real life concentrations and subsequently stimulated with the SARS-CoV-2 spike peptide. We report a significant upregulation of IFNγ production in T and NK cells, particularly among male donors exposed to high concentrations of the PFAS mixture. Conversely, we observed a decrease in the total B-cell population, particularly among female donors. A significant reduction in the secretion of the pro-inflammatory chemokines MIP-1α (CCL3) and MIP-3α (CCL20) was observed at high PFAS mixture concentrations. Overall, these findings suggest that high PFAS exposure may differentially affect immune responses in a sex-specific manner, with a potential impact on vaccine efficacy.

PMID:40147139 | DOI:10.1016/j.envint.2025.109409

Bull Environ Contam Toxicol. 2025 Mar 27;114(4):54. doi: 10.1007/s00128-025-04033-w.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants widely detected in water and sediment worldwide. Despite growing concerns about their ecological and health risks, their distribution in African aquatic environments remains understudied. This study addresses the knowledge gap in PFAS contamination by analysing the spatial and temporal distribution of 18 PFAS in Apies River water and sediment in Pretoria, South Africa. Surface water and sediment samples were collected upstream and downstream of the Apies River during dry seasons. The analysis of PFAS concentrations was conducted using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Statistical analysis, including paired t-tests, non-metric multidimensional scaling, and hierarchical cluster analysis, were applied to determine spatial and temporal trends. The study revealed significant spatial variations in PFAS contamination, with upstream locations consistently exhibiting higher concentrations than downstream. In surface water samples, L_PFBS, 4:2 FTS, 6:2 FTS, and L_PFHpS showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between sites. Perfluorocarboxylic acids were the dominant PFAS class in surface water (50.47-57.15%), whereas perfluorosulfonic acids were more prevalent in sediments. Upstream sediment had higher L_PFHpS (43.00 ng/g), L_PFDS (38.89 ng/g), and L_PFHxS (23.91 ng/g) than downstream (31.96, 27.84, and 18.02 ng/g, respectively). The findings reveal contamination sources and partitioning between surface water and sediments, aiding in water quality management and pollution mitigation strategies.

PMID:40146386 | PMC:PMC11950043 | DOI:10.1007/s00128-025-04033-w

Environ Res. 2025 Mar 24;276:121468. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2025.121468. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

We analyzed concentrations and trends of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in 96 nestling bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) at six study sites throughout Wisconsin from 2011 to 2017. Nestling blood plasma concentrations of the sum of 11 PFAS analytes (∑₁₁ PFAS) differed among study locations: the highest concentration was in the industrialized Green Bay region at study area: Upper Green Bay/Lake Michigan (GBLM; estimated mean = 313.18 μg/L; range = 188.3-478.9 μg/L). For study locations with only one year of data, PFAS were highest at downstream Wisconsin River sites: Lower Wisconsin State River (LWSR; estimated mean = 646.7 μg/L; range 376.0-979.8 μg/L) and Middle Wisconsin River (MDWR; 659.6 μg/L; range = 209.3-928.6 μg/L). Overall, perfluoroctanesulfonate (PFOS) was the most abundant analyte at all study locations. Perfluoroundecanoate (PFUnDA) and perfluorodecanoate (PFDA) were the second and third highest concentration analytes at most sites. Temporal trends existed for ∑₁₁ PFAS and all analytes for most of the study locations with more than one year of data - with patterns for analytes differing by study location. In addition, nestling age significantly altered plasma concentrations of ∑₁₁ PFAS and PFOS - concentrations were higher in older nestlings, ranging from 3.77 to 4.38 μg/L per day of age difference, respectively. We have illustrated that bald eagles can be useful and reliable bioindicators of PFAS exposure and environmental change. The results from this study can be used by management and conservation agencies to highlight locations of concern that could be prioritized for remediation.

PMID:40139636 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2025.121468

Environ Res. 2025 Mar 24;276:121470. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2025.121470. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widespread environmental contaminants with many sources, including consumer products, industrial discharges from wastewater treatment plants and manufacturing sites, run-off from lands spread with PFAS-laden biosolids, and atmospheric deposition. Central Maine is impacted by all of these PFAS sources and as a result has high levels of environmental contamination in surface water, groundwater, soil and snow. PFAS were found to flow via surface waters from areas with high sludge spreading into nearby towns. Streams had year-round PFAS, but the area's river was contaminated seasonally. The public drinking water supply was impacted, and low-cost and accessible drinking water filtration methods were partially effective at removing PFAS. Restricting one product that contains PFAS, fluorinated ski wax, resulted in an immediate and large decline in snow contamination at a local ski area, one of the first demonstrations of the efficacy of a product ban. This same ski area, however, used contaminated stream water to produce artificial snow in the winter, which contributed to snow contamination and the transfer of PFAS from the stream onto the land.

PMID:40139637 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2025.121470

Sci Total Environ. 2025 Mar 25;974:179196. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179196. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances are currently of concern due to their widespread occurrence, resistance to degradation and potential toxicity. Major efforts are underway worldwide to assess environmental concentrations of PFAS, but most monitoring is done at a single time point. Little consideration is given to how such concentrations might vary over time. In this study, the concentrations of 44 PFAS were measured hourly over 24 h (two tidal cycles) in three estuaries in Victoria, Australia. The most prevalent compound was PFHxS at a maximum concentration of 72.3 ng/L. Concentrations of ΣPFAS showed between four- and seven-fold differences during the 24-hour sampling period. Environmental measurements showed this was likely due to seawater diluting the concentration of PFAS in the estuary during tidal influxes. Randomly timed grab samples thus have a high risk of mischaracterising the true range of concentrations of PFAS in estuarine systems and/or underestimating the highest concentration present, which may result in an underestimation of risk to such systems.

PMID:40138897 | DOI:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179196

Environ Int. 2025 Mar 22;198:109384. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2025.109384. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are significant sources of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in aquatic environments, making their identification and priority rank crucial for risk control. Wastewater samples were collected from 148 municipal WWTPs in China to determine the occurrence and risk prioritization of PFASs. A total of 61 PFASs were identified, including 14 legacy and 47 emerging PFASs, using machine learning prediction-enhanced suspect and nontarget screening techniques. PFASs were detected in all wastewater samples, with perfluorocarboxylic acid (PFCA), perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA), fluoromeric sulfonic acid (FTSA), and perfluoroalkyl sulfonamide-like (PFSM) substances being the predominant classes. The exposure loads of legacy and emerging PFASs to the Chinese population were 71.8 and 52.9 μg·day^-1·people^-1, respectively, and textile and clothing products might be the primary PFAS exposure pathways. Through a risk prioritization method integrating toxicity and exposure data, ten legacy and five emerging PFASs were flagged as high-priority substances requiring additional attention. As the PFAS risk removal efficiency by conventional biological treatment processes was only 0.7 %, the PFAS risk priority patterns in influent and effluent were similar (r = 0.86, p < 0.01). In addition, there were significant regional differences in the PFAS risk distribution, and the PFAS risk in eastern China was higher than that in other regions. This study offers novel insights for the identification and priority control assessment of PFASs and other emerging environmental contaminants.

PMID:40139035 | DOI:10.1016/j.envint.2025.109384

Chemosphere. 2025 Mar 25;377:144313. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2025.144313. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study explores using a microporous polymer synthesized through high internal phase emulsion templating (polyHIPEs) with the assistance of air bubbles for the rapid removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from water. PFAS gravitate towards air/water interfaces due to their hydrophobic tail and hydrophilic end group. Because of this principle, air bubbles can be used to facilitate PFAS transport and concentrate them in a foam layer on the water's surface. Due to the sponge-like structure of the polyHIPEs, these polymers also float to the water's surface. Thus, using the polyHIPEs as an adsorbent assisted by air bubbles to facilitate PFAS transport to the surface, was investigated as a method for PFAS removal from water. We found that the addition of bubbles significantly increased the removal rates for every PFAS measured. With airflow at 1 L/min, the polyHIPE captured >96 % of 10 out of 12 PFAS measured and 84 % of the total PFAS in only 10 min. Comparatively, with no airflow the polyHIPEs only captured 12 % of the total PFAS in 10 min. Adding bubbles dramatically improved the capture of short chain (≤6 carbons) PFAS. With bubbles, the polyHIPE captured 72 % of the short chain PFAS in 10 min, while without bubbles the polyHIPE had captured <1 % of the short chain PFAS in the same time. This method performed exceptionally well with a variety of interferents, including humic acid and salts, and has remarkably high adsorption capacities for several PFAS, including a capacity of 1438 mg/g for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS).

PMID:40138738 | DOI:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2025.144313

Toxics. 2025 Mar 14;13(3):214. doi: 10.3390/toxics13030214.

ABSTRACT

Studies have shown that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) may impact thyroid function in human health. While the consistency between PFAS exposure and thyroid health effects in pregnant women has been validated, the effects on men and non-pregnant women remains inconclusive. To address this, a meta-analysis was carried out in this paper, with 14 eligible studies retrieved from Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science that were published up to 2 June 2024, focusing on the relationship between PFAS exposure and its effect on thyroid hormone levels in the human body. The thyroid function indexes analyzed included thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), free T3 (FT3), and free T4 (FT4). The estimated value (β) and the corresponding confidence interval (95% CI) were extracted from the literature. A heterogeneity test was carried out, and the sensitivity analysis and publication bias of the studies were analyzed using Stata 18.0. The results revealed that in men and non-pregnant women, PFOA was positively correlated with FT3 (β = 0.011, 95% CI = 0.001, 0.02, I² = 13.4). However, no significant associations were found between exposure to other PFAS and thyroid hormones. A subgroup analysis further indicated that the correlations between PFAS exposure and thyroid hormone levels were more significant in adolescents, in both America and Europe.

PMID:40137541 | PMC:PMC11946724 | DOI:10.3390/toxics13030214

Toxics. 2025 Mar 5;13(3):187. doi: 10.3390/toxics13030187.

ABSTRACT

Chemicals in personal care and consumer products are suspected to disrupt endocrine function and affect reproductive health. However, the link between mixed exposure and long-term amenorrhea is not well understood. This study analyzed data from 684 women (2013-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) to assess exposure to eight polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs), 15 phthalates (PAEs), six phenols, and four parabens. Various statistical models for robustness tests and mediation analysis were used to explore associations with long-term amenorrhea and the role of serum globulin. Biological mechanisms were identified through an integrated strategy involving target analysis of key chemicals and long-term amenorrhea intersections, pathway analysis, and target validation. Results showed that women with long-term amenorrhea had higher exposure levels of Perfluorodecanoic acid, Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), Perfluorononanoic acid, n-perfluorooctanoic acid (n_PFOA), n-perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, and Perfluoromethylheptane sulfonic acid isomers. Logistic regression with different adjustments consistently found significant associations between elevated PFAS concentrations and increased long-term amenorrhea risk, confirmed by Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis. Mediation analysis revealed that serum globulin partially mediated the relationship between PFAS exposure and long-term amenorrhea. Network and target analysis suggested that PFHxS and n_PFOA may interact with Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3). This study highlights significant associations between PFAS exposure, particularly PFHxS and n_PFOA, and long-term amenorrhea, with serum globulin and STAT3 serving as mediators in the underlying mechanisms.

PMID:40137514 | PMC:PMC11945380 | DOI:10.3390/toxics13030187

Toxics. 2025 Feb 27;13(3):168. doi: 10.3390/toxics13030168.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of environmental contaminants associated with various health risks; however, their relationship with all-cause mortality in individuals with diabetes remains unclear. A total of 1256 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were included to explore the association between seven PFAS compounds and all-cause mortality in diabetic patients. Preliminary logistic regression identified three PFAS compounds (perfluorooctanoic acid [PFOA], perfluorooctane sulfonic acid [PFOS], and 2-(N-methyl-PFOSA) acetate acid [MPAH]) as significantly associated with mortality in the diabetic population. The optimal cut-off values for PFOS, PFOA, and MPAH were determined using the X-tile algorithm, and participants were categorized into high- and low-exposure groups. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess the relationship between PFAS levels and mortality risk. The results showed that high levels of PFOS were significantly associated with increased all-cause mortality risk in diabetic patients (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.55, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06-2.29), while PFOA and MPAH showed no significant associations. To explore mechanisms underlying the PFOS-mortality link, toxicogenomic analysis identified 95 overlapping genes associated with PFOS exposure and diabetes-related mortality using the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) and GeneCards. Functional enrichment analysis revealed key biological processes, such as glucose homeostasis and response to peptide hormone, with pathways including the longevity regulating pathway, apoptosis, and p53 signaling pathway. Protein-protein interaction network analysis identified 10 hub genes, and PFOS was found to upregulate or downregulate their mRNA expression, protein activity, or protein expression, with notable effects on mRNA levels. These findings suggest that PFOS exposure contributes to increased mortality risk in diabetic patients through pathways related to glucose metabolism, apoptosis, and cellular signaling. Our study provides new insights into the association between PFAS and all-cause mortality in diabetes, highlighting the need for large-scale cohort studies and further in vivo and in vitro experiments to validate these findings.

PMID:40137495 | PMC:PMC11945897 | DOI:10.3390/toxics13030168

Toxics. 2025 Mar 5;13(3):187. doi: 10.3390/toxics13030187.

ABSTRACT

Chemicals in personal care and consumer products are suspected to disrupt endocrine function and affect reproductive health. However, the link between mixed exposure and long-term amenorrhea is not well understood. This study analyzed data from 684 women (2013-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) to assess exposure to eight polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs), 15 phthalates (PAEs), six phenols, and four parabens. Various statistical models for robustness tests and mediation analysis were used to explore associations with long-term amenorrhea and the role of serum globulin. Biological mechanisms were identified through an integrated strategy involving target analysis of key chemicals and long-term amenorrhea intersections, pathway analysis, and target validation. Results showed that women with long-term amenorrhea had higher exposure levels of Perfluorodecanoic acid, Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), Perfluorononanoic acid, n-perfluorooctanoic acid (n_PFOA), n-perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, and Perfluoromethylheptane sulfonic acid isomers. Logistic regression with different adjustments consistently found significant associations between elevated PFAS concentrations and increased long-term amenorrhea risk, confirmed by Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis. Mediation analysis revealed that serum globulin partially mediated the relationship between PFAS exposure and long-term amenorrhea. Network and target analysis suggested that PFHxS and n_PFOA may interact with Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3). This study highlights significant associations between PFAS exposure, particularly PFHxS and n_PFOA, and long-term amenorrhea, with serum globulin and STAT3 serving as mediators in the underlying mechanisms.

PMID:40137514 | PMC:PMC11945380 | DOI:10.3390/toxics13030187

Toxics. 2025 Mar 11;13(3):200. doi: 10.3390/toxics13030200.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Folate is critical for many physiological processes, and low folate levels have been associated with a wide range of health outcomes, including chronic diseases and developmental outcomes. Many environmental chemicals are suspected to contribute to the etiology of health outcomes related to folate deficiency. However, little is known about how these pollutants influence folate levels as potential mechanistic pathways.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the individual and joint associations between a mixture of 39 pollutants and red blood cell (RBC) folate concentrations in the U.S.

METHODS: We used available data on 27,938 participants, aged 18-80 from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination survey (2007-2016), with available RBC folate concentrations and 39 environmental pollutants' concentrations. We estimated covariate-adjusted independent and joint associations between environmental pollutants and RBC folate, and compared evidence from two complimentary mixture approaches: exposome-wide association study (ExWAS) and quantile-based g computation (Q-gcomp).

RESULTS: In the ExWAS analysis, 12 environmental chemicals, including metals (cadmium, arsenic, lead, and mercury), perfluoroalkyl substances, phthalates, phenols and parabens, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, were inversely associated with RBC folate, whereas four environmental pollutants, including metals (manganese and selenium) and two phthalate metabolites, were positively associated with RBC folate. Q-gcomp showed convergent results with the ExWAS analysis; a quartile increase in the metal and PFAS mixtures was significantly associated with a decrease of -38.4 ng/mL (95%CI: -52.3, -24.4) and -48.9 ng/mL (95%CI: -57.6, -39.6) in RBC folate concentrations, respectively.

CONCLUSION: The present study shows that higher exposure to PFASs, metals, and PAHs are associated with lower RBC folate concentrations. However, given the cross-sectional design, we cannot make inferences about the directionality of the observed associations.

PMID:40137527 | PMC:PMC11945967 | DOI:10.3390/toxics13030200

Trends Microbiol. 2025 Mar 24:S0966-842X(25)00080-0. doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2025.03.004. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are detrimental to human and environmental health. Here, we discuss obstacles hindering PFAS biodegradation, addressing challenges from chemical and microbial ecotoxicological perspectives. We then highlight the unique eco-evolutionary landscapes of buried landfills and consider the importance of these underexplored xeno-ecological niches for promoting PFAS biodegradation.

PMID:40133114 | DOI:10.1016/j.tim.2025.03.004

Environ Sci Process Impacts. 2025 Mar 25. doi: 10.1039/d4em00612g. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Many historic landfill sites have groundwater plumes that discharge to nearby surface waters. Recent research indicates that leachate of historic landfills can contain elevated concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS), but there is limited data on resulting PFAS inputs to aquatic ecosystems as might inform on this potential environmental threat. The objective of this study was to evaluate PFAS exposure in three ecological zones and PFAS mass loading downstream, over 1 year, at two historic landfill sites where landfill plumes discharge to nearby surface waters (1 pond with outlet stream, called HB site; 1 urban stream, called DC site). The three zones experienced different magnitudes and patterns of PFAS concentration exposure (i.e., contaminant presence in the zone). The endobenthic zone of the sediments receiving the landfill plumes experienced the highest concentrations (∑PFAS >4000 ng L^-1 (HB) and >20 000 ng L^-1 (DC)), often year-round and over a substantial area at each site. Dilution of landfill PFAS in surface waters was observed though concentrations were still elevated (∑PFAS: >120 ng L^-1 (HB) and >60 ng L^-1 (DC)), with evidence of year-round pelagic zone exposure. PFAS concentrations in the epibenthic zones could vary between that of the endobenthic and pelagic zones, sometimes with daily, event-based, and longer-term patterns. Together these findings suggest historic landfill plumes can lead to substantial PFAS exposure to a variety of aquatic life. Downstream PFAS mass loadings during base flows were relatively small individually (15 (HB) and 36 (DC) g per year (∑PFAS)); however, collective loadings from the numerous historic landfills in a watershed could contribute to increasing PFAS concentrations of connected water bodies, with implications for ecological health, drinking water sources, and fisheries.

PMID:40130317 | DOI:10.1039/d4em00612g

J Am Chem Soc. 2025 Mar 25. doi: 10.1021/jacs.4c18434. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic compounds widely employed in society due to their chemical inertness. These substances accumulate in the environment, from where they enter human bodies, leading to harmful effects like cancer. PFAS exhibit omniphobic properties, which often cause them to separate from both aqueous and organic phases, forming a fluorous phase. Yet, the physical nature of this fluorous effect is unknown. Here, we shed light on the fluorous effect by analyzing the infrared absorption spectra of perfluorinated and semifluorinated alkanes in various solvents. We find that specific bands in the C-F stretching vibrational region exhibit selective behaviors in fluorous and nonfluorous environments. In a fluorous environment, these bands undergo significant broadening, and the asymmetric CF₃ stretching bands decrease in intensity. Using static density functional theory calculations and force-field molecular dynamics simulations, we decipher the underlying molecular mechanisms: The decrease in absorption intensities is related to the intermolecular vibrational coupling of the perfluoroalkyl chains, while an acceleration of conformational changes in the carbon backbone of the molecules causes the observed band broadening. Given the high specificity of the reported spectral changes to a fluorous environment, bands in the C-F stretching range can serve as spectroscopic markers for the fluorous phase, facilitating the study of PFAS aggregation. Such knowledge can lead to the rational design of absorber materials for PFAS, which are aimed at mitigating their environmental impact.

PMID:40130333 | DOI:10.1021/jacs.4c18434

J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2025 Mar 25:dgaf143. doi: 10.1210/clinem/dgaf143. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT: Epidemiological evidence regarding prenatal per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) exposure and long-term maternal metabolic health outcomes is lacking.

OBJECTIVE: Quantify associations between prenatal PFAS concentrations and maternal metabolic biomarkers of glucose homeostasis 7 to 9 years later.

METHODS: We measured second trimester plasma concentrations of 9 PFAS in participants enrolled in the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) study. We measured individual biomarkers of glucose homeostasis (fasting intact proinsulin, C-peptide, insulin, glucose, and hemoglobin A1C levels) in samples collected 7 to 9 years after the MIREC pregnancy (n = 258) and derived indicators of pancreatic beta cell function (proinsulin to insulin [PI:INS], proinsulin to C-peptide [PI:CP] ratios) and insulin resistance (homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance [HOMA-IR], triglyceride-glucose index). Using multivariable linear regression models, we quantified the percent change in each outcome per doubling of individual PFAS concentrations. We used quantile g-computation and weighted quantile sum regression to evaluate the mixture of PFAS.

RESULTS: Prenatal perfluorononanoic acid and perfluorodecanoic acid concentrations were associated with 13.9% (95% CI: 0.8, 28.8) and 10.5% (95% CI: -1.0, 23.4) higher HOMA-IR values as well as 11.9% (95% CI: 0.1, 25.1) and 8.9% (95% CI: -1.5, 20.3) higher fasting insulin concentrations, respectively. A doubling of perfluorooctanoic acid concentrations was associated with increases in intact proinsulin concentrations (12.8% [95% CI: -3.5, 31.8]) and beta cell function ratios (PI:INS: 11.5% [95% CI: -4.4, 30.1]; PI:CP: 13.5% [95% CI: -2.4, 32.0]).

CONCLUSION: Prenatal exposure to PFAS may impact long-term maternal insulin resistance and beta cell function, key risk factors for type 2 diabetes. These associations differ by specific PFAS.

PMID:40132045 | DOI:10.1210/clinem/dgaf143

Environ Sci Technol. 2025 Mar 25. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.4c13846. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are often present in complex mixtures at trace levels in environmental samples, posing difficulties for analytical chemists. Ion mobility offers highly replicable identifiers, enabling the use of community-based libraries for PFAS annotation in nontargeted analysis. Currently, limited software exists to leverage the capabilities of liquid chromatography ion mobility high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-IM-HRMS) for nontargeted analysis. FluoroMatch IM is a free vendor-neutral open-source tool for rapid annotation of PFASs in LC-IM-HRMS datasets. Annotation algorithms include collision cross-section (CCS) matching, formula prediction, homologous series detection, mass defect filtering, and accurate mass matching with a database of 194 PFAS ions that can be continuously expanded by the community. Results from FluoroMatch IM were compared to a targeted approach with a laboratory-prepared mixture of 63 PFASs and real wastewater samples. A nontarget workflow incorporating FluoroMatch IM revealed additional likely PFASs (n = 16) while confirming most targeted annotations (11/12) in wastewater samples. Validation of the standard mix showed a low false negative rate of 5% and a 5% false positive rate for features included in the CCS library, with a 0% false positive rate for features assigned confident scores. This study demonstrates the promise of FluoroMatch IM for streamlining PFAS analysis workflows.

PMID:40133053 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.4c13846

Int J Hyg Environ Health. 2025 Mar 12:114559. doi: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114559. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Per- and polyfluoralkyl substances (PFAS) have been used extensively in firefighting foams with resulting occupational exposure among firefighters.

OBJECTIVE: To examine serum concentrations of PFAS among current and former employed and volunteer firefighters from the Danish fire services and Armed Forces.

METHODS: During 2023-2024, 429 men from the Danish fire services and Armed Forces participated in the study. They were asked to provide a blood sample and fill in an online questionnaire. Concentrations of 15 PFAS were measured in serum. Measurements from the general population sampled in 2021 (the ENFORCE study) were used as reference. Associations between occupational factors and serum PFAS were assessed using multiple linear regression.

RESULTS: Participants were from municipal fire services (n = 208), governmental fire services (n = 59), civilian airport fire services (n = 50), the air force (n = 98) and the navy (n = 14). Their median age was 50 years and median year of commencing service was 1999. While serum concentrations of PFAS among most participants were at level with those of the general population, civilian airport firefighters had higher serum concentrations of especially perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluoroheptane sulfonic acid (PFHpS) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). Age-adjusted geometric means were 1.42 ng/mL for PFHxS, 0.28 ng/mL for PFHpS and 6.92 ng/mL for total PFOS among civilian airport firefighters.

CONCLUSION: Higher serum concentrations of PFHxS, PFHpS and PFOS among civilian airport firefighters likely reflected past occupational exposure to firefighting foam. Findings emphasized the importance of regulatory measures and substitution.

PMID:40133147 | DOI:10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114559

ACS Omega. 2025 Mar 4;10(10):10675-10684. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.5c00054. eCollection 2025 Mar 18.

ABSTRACT

Water contamination with "forever chemicals" like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) poses significant toxicity to the environment. Since they are the most persistent synthetic chemicals that hardly degrade in the natural environment and are carcinogenic to humans, there is an urgent need to discover novel processes for destroying PFAS. Herein, we report on the design of a reduced graphene oxide (r-GO)/WO₃ nanoflower (WO₃-NF)-based heterostructure for harnessing 365 nm light-driven photocatalytic oxidation and reduction process toward the photocatalytic degradation of perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA). Moreover, reported data reveal that using an r-GO/WO₃-NF heterostructure photocatalyst, 100% PFNA degradation and 14% defluorination can be achieved in the presence of isopropyl alcohol as the hydroxy radical (^•OH) quencher or glucose as a hot hole (h⁺) quencher after exposure to 365 nm light for 22 h. A reported mechanistic study shows synergistic oxidation and reduction processes are vital for the complete degradation of PFNA, where the hydrated electron (e_aq ^-) plays a key role as a reducing agent and h⁺ and ^•OH act as oxidation agents. Furthermore, the photocatalytic destruction mechanism study indicates that chain shortening via C-C bond breaking and defluorination via C-F bond breaking are major pathways for PFNA degradation. A wavelength-dependent study shows that only 22% degradation can be achieved after exposure to 532 nm light for 22 h, which is due to the lack of the formation of hydrated electrons (e_aq ^-). The current study sheds light on the construction of the r-GO/WO₃ NF heterojunction for the highly efficient degradation of PFAS.

PMID:40124034 | PMC:PMC11923664 | DOI:10.1021/acsomega.5c00054

Food Chem. 2025 Mar 14;480:143891. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2025.143891. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study presents a novel method for in situ extraction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from intact meat samples using a recessed solid phase microextraction (SPME) device coupled with LC-MS/MS. The SPME device with matrix-compatible coating (HLB-WAX/PAN) in the recessed section, exhibited mechanically robust and low matrix effects in meat samples (-13.7-11.1 %). Key parameters influencing extraction efficiency, including extraction time, adsorbent amount, extraction temperature, and desorption time were comprehensively optimized. The stability of PFAS adsorbed onto the coating during storage at different temperatures and durations was also assessed. Under optimized conditions, the proposed method demonstrated applicability across pork, beef, and lamb tissues with excellent linearity (R² ≥ 99.32 %), good sensitivity (LOD in the range of 0.01-1.52 ng/g), as well as acceptable accuracy and reproducibility (intra-day and inter-day). Compared with conventional methods, the SPME-LC-MS/MS method shows the advantages of simple operation, short extraction time and low organic solvent consumption with low matrix effects. This approach offers a straightforward and reliable solution for direct in situ monitoring PFAS in commercial meat samples and has potential for on-site application.

PMID:40121880 | DOI:10.1016/j.foodchem.2025.143891

Environ Pollut. 2025 Mar 21;373:126103. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126103. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The fluctuation of endocrine hormones during early pregnancy plays an important role in the pathogenesis of hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). As an endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC), perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) exert an impact on pregnancy-related complications by altering hormone balances throughout gestation. Despite this potential impact, the relationship between serum PFAS levels in early pregnancy and the risk of HG has not been previously investigated. A total of 98 HG cases and 495 controls were included in this study from the Xi'an Birth Cohort Study. In total, serum levels of 10 PFASs were measured using High Performance Liquid Chromatography with tandem Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) during early pregnancy. Binary logistic models were applied to evaluate the associations between individual PFAS levels and HG. Weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression models and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models were performed to test the overall effect of the PFAS mixture on HG. After adjusting for confounding variables, the highest tertile concentrations of perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA) (OR: 3.49, 95 %CI: 1.31-9.29), and perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA) (OR: 3.13, 95 % CI: 1.40-6.98) were significantly associated with a higher risk of HG, while highest tertile of perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) (OR: 0.34; 95 % CI: 0.16-0.73), and PFOS (OR: 0.35; 95 % CI: 0.13-0.97) were inversely associated with HG. The WQS index showed a positive correlation with HG risk (β = 0.80; 95 % CI: 0.02, 1.57), with notable contributions from PFDoA (0.952), PFUnDA (0.159), and perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) (0.146). In addition, the joint effect of the PFAS mixture was positively associated with HG, with PFDoA (posterior inclusion probability (PIP) = 0.78) and PFUnDA (PIP = 0.75) being identified as the primary contributors. Our findings indicate that exposure to PFAS mixture during early pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of HG, with PFDoA and PFUnDA being the major contributors.

PMID:40122330 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126103

Environ Res. 2025 Mar 22;276:121461. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2025.121461. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Data from the National Children's Study (NCS) Initial Vanguard pilot study (IVS) provided an opportunity to assess relationships between environmental and other exposures and maternal and children's health. Women who participated in the IVS pilot generally had at least one home visit during pregnancy to collect biomonitoring specimens, environmental samples, and questionnaire data. Serum per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) including Perfluorooctanoic acid, Perfluorooctanesulfonate, Perfluorononanoic acid, Perfluorohexanesulfonate, Perfluorodecanoic acid, and 2-(N-Methyl-perfluorooctane sulfonamido acetate (PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, PFDA, Me-PFOSA-AcOH, respectively) were analyzed in serum samples from 374 women who also completed a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to investigate associations between food consumption during pregnancy and PFAS exposure. Tests of difference were performed between participants who reported either having eaten or not eaten particular types of foods within the 3 months prior to pregnancy. Serum levels of PFHxS, PFNA, and PFDA were positively significantly associated with consumption of several foods. For example, increased frequency of shellfish consumption and increased proportion of seafood in the diet were both associated with significantly higher concentrations of PFNA and PFDA. Consumption of potatoes, soft drinks, beef mixtures, bagels, English muffins, and cold cereals were positively significantly associated with serum levels of PFHxS. Me-PFOSA-AcOH significantly decreased with increasing frequency of consumption of sweet peppers, non-fried fish, and tofu. Clustered dietary patterns show chemicals in serum had statistically significant (p < 0.1) associations with Me-PFOSA-AcOH, PFDA, and PFHxS. These results indicated that some foods eaten by pregnant women may have contributed to the levels of PFAS in their blood.

PMID:40122495 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2025.121461

Environ Pollut. 2025 Mar 21;373:126103. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126103. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The fluctuation of endocrine hormones during early pregnancy plays an important role in the pathogenesis of hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). As an endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC), perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) exert an impact on pregnancy-related complications by altering hormone balances throughout gestation. Despite this potential impact, the relationship between serum PFAS levels in early pregnancy and the risk of HG has not been previously investigated. A total of 98 HG cases and 495 controls were included in this study from the Xi'an Birth Cohort Study. In total, serum levels of 10 PFASs were measured using High Performance Liquid Chromatography with tandem Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) during early pregnancy. Binary logistic models were applied to evaluate the associations between individual PFAS levels and HG. Weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression models and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models were performed to test the overall effect of the PFAS mixture on HG. After adjusting for confounding variables, the highest tertile concentrations of perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA) (OR: 3.49, 95 %CI: 1.31-9.29), and perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA) (OR: 3.13, 95 % CI: 1.40-6.98) were significantly associated with a higher risk of HG, while highest tertile of perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) (OR: 0.34; 95 % CI: 0.16-0.73), and PFOS (OR: 0.35; 95 % CI: 0.13-0.97) were inversely associated with HG. The WQS index showed a positive correlation with HG risk (β = 0.80; 95 % CI: 0.02, 1.57), with notable contributions from PFDoA (0.952), PFUnDA (0.159), and perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) (0.146). In addition, the joint effect of the PFAS mixture was positively associated with HG, with PFDoA (posterior inclusion probability (PIP) = 0.78) and PFUnDA (PIP = 0.75) being identified as the primary contributors. Our findings indicate that exposure to PFAS mixture during early pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of HG, with PFDoA and PFUnDA being the major contributors.

PMID:40122330 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126103

Water Res. 2025 Mar 13;280:123498. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2025.123498. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The presence of perfluorinated and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water is a critical concern for water safety and public health. Nanofiltration (NF) membranes have emerged promising technology for the elimination of trace organic contaminants from drinking water, but many previous studies have sacrificed the retention of vital mineral ions in human body in pursuit of efficient removal of PFAS. In this study, hydrogel-assisted interfacial polymerization (IP) strategy was designed to enhance the selectivity of mineral ions over PFAS, optimized pore size and surface characteristics of polyamide layers were obtained by IP process assisted by hydrogel formed by chitosan and glutaraldehyde. This approach facilitated the fabrication of NF membranes with a thinner active layer, enlarged pore size, and a more negatively charged surface. The optimized modified membrane exhibited a remarkable improvement in water permeance (16 LMH/bar, over 200 % than the control membrane) and maintained high rejection rates (>90 %) for PFAS with molecular weights ranging from 214 to 514 Da, while significantly reducing the rejection of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ ions (<20 %). Density functional theory calculations revealed that all membranes exhibited reduced adsorption energies for PFAS. The treatment of natural surface water indicated the superior rejection selectivity of the modified membrane for mineral ions over natural organic matter, the average gap value of inorganic ions and natural organic matter in modified membranes was 4.6, while the average gap in commercial membranes was 1.6, improved by 2.6 times in selectivity compared to existing commercial membranes. This study offers valuable insights into the targeted enhancement of mineral ions/PFAS selectivity in NF membranes, thereby paving the way of more efficient and sustainable water treatment processes.

PMID:40121908 | DOI:10.1016/j.watres.2025.123498

J Hazard Mater. 2025 Mar 17;491:137953. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.137953. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Improper handling and disposal of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) containing PFAS can lead to the release of these substances into the environment. In this study, we have collected and characterized PFAS leaching profiles of selected e-waste components, including keyboards, cables, monitor screens, and circuit boards, and discussed potential PFAS exposure routes during e-waste disposal by landfilling and associated environmental and health risks. The e-waste components were disassembled, separated, sorted, shredded, and grounded, and leaching experiments were conducted for 30 days to elucidate the potential release and distribution of PFAS from the e-waste components into the environment. PFAS were extracted by solid phase extraction and analyzed through liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in e-waste leachate samples to investigate their occurrence and composition in the different e-waste components. The leachate from the e-waste components had 21 out of the 40 PFAS analyzed, in which the most predominant and abundant were perfluorobutanoic acid, perfluorohexanoic acid, perfluorooctanoic acid, and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid. The cables had the highest sum of PFAS in the leachate with concentrations up to 465 ng/kg. Mobilization of PFAS from e-waste components deposited in landfills through leachate requires proper management practices to protect the environment and public health.

PMID:40120278 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.137953

J Hazard Mater. 2025 Mar 19;491:137978. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.137978. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Despite being previously banned due to long-term health effects, Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) remain widespread in the environment, accumulating in animals and humans. This systematic review and meta-analysis explores associations between exposure to PFAS and asthma onset, wheezing, atopic dermatitis, and eczema in children and adolescents while addressing exposure timing and sex-specific differences. After comprehensive search conducted in several databases, including risk of bias, study heterogeneity, and quality of evidence evaluation, the review included 28 observational studies, most with low risk of bias in all domains. PFAS exposure was not significantly associated with asthma onset (OR:1.03, CI:0.99;1.07), but revealed significantly lower association in the prenatal period (OR:0.97, CI:0.94;0.99), higher in the postnatal period (OR:1.20, CI:1.07;1.35), and no differences among sexes. PFAS exposure (mainly prenatal) was associated with 4 % significantly lower odds of wheezing (OR:0.96, CI:0.94;0.98), higher in girls (OR:0.94, CI:0.91;0.98) than in boys (OR:0.97, CI:0.94;1.00). No significant impact was noted on atopic dermatitis (OR:1.04, CI:0.94;1.16), while PFAS exposure was associated with 8 % significantly lower eczema odds (OR:0.92, CI:0.89;0.96). Evidence was insufficient to perform sensitivity analyses on atopic dermatitis and eczema. Additional research is needed on the impact of synergistic and co-exposure to other pollutants on children and adolescents' health.

PMID:40120265 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.137978

J Hazard Mater. 2025 Mar 17;491:137903. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.137903. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the capacity of aerobic granular sludge (AGS) to remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Over 247 days, AGS in two sequencing batch reactors (R1-CTRL and R2-PFAS) was tested with synthetic wastewater containing four representative PFAS compounds (PFPeA, PFOA, PFBS, PFDS) chosen for their diverse properties, including chain length and hydrophobicity. The PFAS-acclimated reactor (R2-PFAS) exhibited greater resilience and improved performance compared to the control (R1-CTRL). Both reactors achieved > 95 % removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia, and phosphate, despite PFAS concentrations reaching 500 µg L^-1. However, R1-CTRL experienced declines in biomass and settleability, while R2-PFAS maintained stability and a more consistent extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) profile, suggesting tolerance to PFAS. PFAS removal varied by compound. Nearly 100 % removal efficiency was achieved for PFDS, while PFPeA, PFBS, and PFOA showed variable results (- 71 % to 93 % in R1-CTRL; - 17 % to 100 % in R2-PFAS). The findings demonstrate AGS as a promising tool for PFAS removal, particularly when biomass is acclimatized during granulation. This approach could enhance wastewater treatment efficiency and effluent quality.

PMID:40120256 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.137903

Sci Total Environ. 2025 Apr 10;973:179178. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179178. Epub 2025 Mar 21.

ABSTRACT

As a widely used alternative to the conventional per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), hexafluoropropylene oxide trimer acid (HFPO-TA) is of growing concern due to its toxicity and potential risks to human health. Water quality criteria of HFPO-TA for protecting human health were established, and 412 ng/L was set as the maximum concentration level for groundwater (MCL_gw) to calculate the soil control value to protect groundwater (CVS_pgw). Utilizing recommended default values for the properties of HFPO-TA and the soil, the generic CVS_pgw value of 24.0 μg/kg was obtained. Subsequently, column experiments were conducted to investigate the transport of HFPO-TA in the site soil of a fluorochemical industrial park (FIP) in China. The resulted retardation factor (R) was applied to derive the site-specific CVS_pgw, and a value of 2.48 μg/kg was obtained. Using the experimentally measured R instead of the default empirical values reduced the uncertainties in deriving the CVS_pgw dramatically. The transport of 13 PFAS in the soil as a mixture was investigated and revealing a significant linear correlation between R and organic carbon-water partition coefficient (K_OC) (r² = 0.991, p < 0.01), which was utilized to predicted R values for PFAS compounds. Comparison to the site-specific CVS_pgw, HFPO-TA in the soil near the FIP may pose a risk to the groundwater quality. HFPO-TA concentrations in the groundwater of certain areas around the FIP were higher than MCL_gw and not recommended for directly consumption, while HFPO-TA in the tap water was at the safe level.

PMID:40120412 | DOI:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179178

J Environ Manage. 2025 Mar 21;380:124993. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.124993. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Numerous reviews have focused on the chemistry, fate and transport, and remediation of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) across various environmental media. However, there remains a significant gap in the literature regarding a comprehensive review specifically addressing PFAS contamination within agricultural soils. Recognizing the threat PFAS pose to ecosystems and human health, this review critically examines the sources of PFAS in agricultural environments, their uptake and translocation within plant systems, and recent advancements in soil remediation techniques. PFAS ingress into agricultural soils primarily occurs through the application of biowastes, wastewater, and pesticides, necessitating a thorough examination of their pathways and impacts. Factors such as carbon chain length, salinity, temperature, and pH levels affect PFAS uptake and distribution within plants, ultimately influencing their transfer through the food web. Moreover, this review explores a range of physical, chemical, and biological strategies currently employed for the remediation of PFAS-contaminated agricultural soils.

PMID:40120441 | DOI:10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.124993

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2025 Mar 21;294:118078. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118078. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Short-chain per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous in the environment, but their chronic effects on aquatic organisms over multiple generations are often overlooked in environmental risk assessment. In this study, the ecotoxicity of perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS) and its precursor perfluorobutane sulfonamide (FBSA) to Daphnia magna was assessed under continuous exposure for six consecutive generations, with adult survival, reproduction, and population growth rate as endpoints. Observed effects were also related to internal PFAS concentrations in the daphnids. Compared to the first generation, both PFBS and FBSA showed intensified ecotoxicity over six generations, increasing by 1.8-3.0, and 3.6-6.4 times, respectively. Specifically, the EC_{50_r, water} and LC_{50, water} of PFBS decreased from 886 and > 1470 mg/L in the F0 generation to 470 and 483 mg/L, respectively in the F3 generation, while the EC_{50_r, water} and EC_{50_repro, water} of FBSA decreased from 12.4 and 7.08 mg/L in the F0 generation to 3.37 and 1.10 mg/L, respectively in the F5 generation. PFBS ecotoxicity increased as a result of elevated compound accumulation over generations, indicating a narcotic mode of action, whereas FBSA exerted specific reproductive toxicity, resulting in a more pronounced worsening of adverse effects over time. Compared to PFBS, FBSA was around 100 times more toxic in F0, escalating to over 435 times more toxic in F5, and also showed a higher bioaccumulation potential. These findings highlight that the conventional single-generation ecotoxicity tests underestimate PFAS ecotoxicity during multigeneration exposure, and that the environmental risks of PFAS cannot be reliably assessed by the current limited subset of studied compounds.

PMID:40120482 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118078

Talanta. 2025 Mar 13;292:127944. doi: 10.1016/j.talanta.2025.127944. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants known for their toxicity, mobility, and bioaccumulation. Efficient sample preparation and analysis of these compounds are critical for environmental monitoring. In this study, a novel analytical methodology is presented, integrating dynamic headspace extraction (DHS) and thermal desorption (TD) with one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOFMS) for the quantification of target volatile and semi-volatile PFAS. Such an approach also enables the non-targeted screening of other classes of contaminants in aqueous samples. The method was optimized and validated for nine (semi-)volatile PFAS, including fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs), acrylate (FTAc), and alkyl sulfonamides (FOSA, FOSE). Three types of adsorbent materials were evaluated during the enrichment step, among which Tenax TA demonstrated superior recovery and reproducibility. Extraction volumes of 1 L, 2 L, and 5 L were tested, with 1 L providing the most consistent recoveries and reproducibility. The optimized method achieved detection limits as low as 2.17 ng L^-1, indicating high sensitivity. In a case study involving water from an industrial site, the enhanced separation and detection capabilities of GC×GC-TOFMS enabled the identification of 115 additional environmentally relevant compounds, including halogen-containing compounds, monoaromatics, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. This integrated DHS-TD-GC×GC-TOFMS approach provides a robust and suitable analytical solution for targeted PFAS monitoring, combining high sensitivity and selectivity with simultaneous non-targeted analytical capabilities - a particularly advantageous feature for the environmental monitoring of (semi-)volatile chemicals in real samples.

PMID:40120512 | DOI:10.1016/j.talanta.2025.127944

J Hazard Mater. 2025 Mar 17;491:137949. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.137949. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

A tiered in vitro/in silico approach was developed to screen 12,654 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) for their potential to disrupt the thyroid hormone transport. Initially, a set of 45 PFAS was tested using TTR-TRβ-CALUX bioassay, which was subsequently employed to develop a classification model, distinguishing active and inactive PFAS. The model fulfills all good practices for QSAR model validation and can predict whether a given PFAS can disrupt plasma transport of the thyroid hormone (T4). Subsequently, active compounds were used to develop two regression approaches: (i) multiple linear regression MLR, and (ii) second approach aimed at identifying multiple valid QSAR models based on different data-splitting strategies. Finally, a comprehensive virtual screening of a large PFAS dataset was conducted to assess their potency in disrupting thyroid hormone transport. The predictions indicated that more than 7500 compounds were active with over 100 PFAS potentially causing even greater adverse effects than PFOA. These findings highlight the critical role of integrating New Approach Methodologies (NAM)-based in vitro toxicity testing with multifaceted molecular modeling in assessing the risks associated with PFAS contamination in environmental matrices.

PMID:40120279 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.137949

Environ Res. 2025 Mar 19;275:121439. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2025.121439. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The relationship between prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), a well-known endocrine disruptor, and thyroid hormones (THs) levels remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate this relationship in a birth cohort during the second trimester.

METHOD: This prospective study included 562 pregnant women in the Wuxi Birth Cohort from 2019 to 2021 and quantified the serum concentrations of 23 PFASs and 5 THs. Multiple statistical models were used to assess the associations between individual or combined PFASs concentrations and THs, while molecular docking simulated the interactions between PFASs and four thyroid-related proteins.

RESULTS: The median concentration of ∑₂₃PFASs was 71.91 ng/mL, with perfluorovaleric acid (PFPeA) (18.13 ng/mL) emerging as the predominant PFAS. Most PFASs were negatively associated with maternal free thyroxine (FT4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, whereas perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) was positively correlated with TSH levels. A similar trend was observed in the weighted quantile sum (WQS) model, in which combined PFASs exposure was inversely associated with the FT4 and TSH levels. Molecular docking results showed that compared with TH natural ligand thyroxine (T4), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), and 6:2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (6:2 Cl- PFESA) exhibited relatively high binding affinity with thyroid-related proteins (-6.6 to -9.8 kcal/mol vs. T4: -5.6 to -8.6 kcal/mol). Furthermore, PFASs with medium chain lengths and sulfonic acid groups exhibited enhanced protein-binding properties.

CONCLUSION: PFASs exposure may affect THs homeostasis during pregnancy. Moreover, different types and concentrations of PFASs have different effects on THs in the maternal serum.

PMID:40118311 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2025.121439

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2025 Mar 20;294:118077. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118077. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can disturb lipid and glucose metabolism, but few studies have explored the effects of EDC mixtures and underlying inflammation mechanisms in weight-specific children.

METHODS: We conducted a panel study with 3 repeated visits among 144 children aged 4-12 years. For each visit, participants provided morning urine samples for 4 consecutive days and fasting blood samples on day 4. A total of 36 EDCs were measured, including 10 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), 3 phenols, 3 parabens, 10 phthalates, and 10 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. We used quantile g-computation, grouped weighted quantile sum (GWQS) regression, and linear mixed-effect models to evaluate and validate the associations of the mixture and individual effects of EDCs on lipid and fasting blood glucose (FBG). Further, mediation models were applied to explore the potential role of cytokines in the relationships of EDCs and outcomes.

RESULTS: A quantile increase in EDC mixtures was associated with elevated triglyceride (TG) (β = 0.18, 95 % CI: 0.04, 0.33) and FBG (β = 0.02, 95 % CI: 0.01, 0.04). Also, GWQS regression revealed that PFAS contributed the most to the overall effects for TG and FBG, followed by phenols. These associations were more pronounced in overweight/obese children. Regarding individual pollutants, we observed positive relationships of several PFAS with TG and FBG. Furthermore, chemokine ligand 2 mediated the associations of PFAS with TG among overweight/obese children.

CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggested that the EDC mixtures were associated with elevated lipid and glucose levels among children, particularly for those with overweight/obesity.

PMID:40118019 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118077

Environ Int. 2025 Mar 14;198:109381. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2025.109381. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Teratogenic properties of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been assessed in a few studies, however, epidemiological evidence for an association is inconclusive.

OBJECTIVES: We conducted a Swedish nation-wide register-based cohort study to assess the associations of estimated fetal exposure to the sum of drinking water perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) with major congenital malformations.

METHODS: We included all births in Sweden during 2012-2018 of mothers residing ≥four years prior to partus in localities served by municipal drinking water where PFAS concentrations have been measured in drinking water. We estimated the fetal PFAS4 exposure by using a one-compartment toxicokinetic model - including maternal residential history, municipal PFAS water concentration and year-specific PFAS maternal background concentrations as input data - and accounting thereafter PFAS-specific transplacental transfer factors to estimate the fetal PFAS4 exposure. By register linkage we obtained birth outcomes and covariates. Odd ratios (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) of the associations between estimated PFAS in foetuses and major congenital malformations were estimated by logistic regressions and, complementary, by quantile g-computation regression for mixture effects.

RESULTS: Analyses of 256,659 newborns of which 5,357 were diagnosed with major congenital malformations, revealed associations between fetal PFAS4 exposure and malformations on the nervous system OR, 2.84 (95 % CI: 1.38-5.84, p-trend: 0.008) and chromosomal anomalies OR, 1.50 (95 % CI: 1.07-2.10, p-trend: 0.009) comparing extreme quartiles. For the individual PFAS and in the quantile g-computation model, there were indications of an association between PFAS and urinary defects, OR 1.96 (95 % CI: 1.59-2.43, p-trend mixed effect: <0.001), primarily driven by PFOA and PFHxS.

DISCUSSION: Modelled fetal sum of PFAS4 was associated with malformations of the nervous system and chromosomal anomalies, while the mixture assessment revealed associations with defects on urinary system. As the underlying toxicological mechanisms remains unclear, further investigation is warranted.

PMID:40117684 | DOI:10.1016/j.envint.2025.109381

J Hazard Mater. 2025 Mar 19;491:137972. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.137972. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Stormwater runoff from urban surfaces contains pollutants that harm the water quality of surface or groundwater bodies. While runoff quality from metal roofs has already been widely studied, the contribution of non-metal roofing materials to stormwater pollution is still unclear. A leaching test was conducted to determine the substance emission from non-metal roofing materials. Analyzing parameters in the leachate of eight leaching rounds at predefined time intervals allowed for determining area release rates and leaching mechanisms. The test was conducted with commonly used materials applied on inclined roofs: clay tiles, concrete tiles, fiber cement, bitumen shingles, wood shingles, and plastic roofing tiles. The scope of the analysis is based on substances repeatedly detected in stormwater: anions, cations, heavy metals, biocides, phthalates, PCBs, PFAS, PAHs, nonylphenols, and Bisphenol A. Several roofing materials released relevant amounts of hazardous substances impacting water quality. Clay tiles are a source of vanadium, manganese, and arsenic. Treated wood shingles release ammonium, boron, copper, and Bisphenol A. Fiber cement and concrete roofing tiles are a source of biocides. Bitumen shingles released Bisphenol A. Further research is recommended regarding leaching in long-term field experiments to evaluate the impact of real weather conditions and on developing treatment facilities.

PMID:40117773 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.137972

J Hazard Mater. 2025 Mar 16;491:137943. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.137943. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals that pose significant risks to both human and environmental health due to their widespread use and stability. Traditional remediation methods, such as adsorption and filtration, concentrate PFAS without breaking them down. Alternative methods, such as pyrolysis, chemical oxidation, and photodegradation, often require costly and complex conditions. Electrochemical technology is a promising alternative for PFAS removal. In particular, electrochemical reduction has been emerging in recent years as a promising alternative to promote C-F dissociation and H/F exchange reactions, thus generating less fluorinated compounds. This review summarizes the advances in technologies for PFAS electrochemical reduction, with proposed electrochemical reduction mechanisms, the factors that influence the removal of PFAS, and the challenges and future directions associated with these methods. Novel materials, such as nanocatalysts, molecularly inspired networks, or 2D/3D materials, are stable in aqueous environments and exhibit high electrochemical activity toward C-F bond dissociation. In addition, the above materials show potential for scalable applications in PFAS treatment, although further research is needed to optimize their performance. This review also aims to understand the opportunities and challenges in PFAS electrochemical reduction, offering insights for future research and development.

PMID:40117777 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.137943

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2025 Mar 20;294:118077. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118077. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can disturb lipid and glucose metabolism, but few studies have explored the effects of EDC mixtures and underlying inflammation mechanisms in weight-specific children.

METHODS: We conducted a panel study with 3 repeated visits among 144 children aged 4-12 years. For each visit, participants provided morning urine samples for 4 consecutive days and fasting blood samples on day 4. A total of 36 EDCs were measured, including 10 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), 3 phenols, 3 parabens, 10 phthalates, and 10 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. We used quantile g-computation, grouped weighted quantile sum (GWQS) regression, and linear mixed-effect models to evaluate and validate the associations of the mixture and individual effects of EDCs on lipid and fasting blood glucose (FBG). Further, mediation models were applied to explore the potential role of cytokines in the relationships of EDCs and outcomes.

RESULTS: A quantile increase in EDC mixtures was associated with elevated triglyceride (TG) (β = 0.18, 95 % CI: 0.04, 0.33) and FBG (β = 0.02, 95 % CI: 0.01, 0.04). Also, GWQS regression revealed that PFAS contributed the most to the overall effects for TG and FBG, followed by phenols. These associations were more pronounced in overweight/obese children. Regarding individual pollutants, we observed positive relationships of several PFAS with TG and FBG. Furthermore, chemokine ligand 2 mediated the associations of PFAS with TG among overweight/obese children.

CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggested that the EDC mixtures were associated with elevated lipid and glucose levels among children, particularly for those with overweight/obesity.

PMID:40118019 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118077

Environ Res. 2025 Mar 19;275:121439. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2025.121439. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The relationship between prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), a well-known endocrine disruptor, and thyroid hormones (THs) levels remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate this relationship in a birth cohort during the second trimester.

METHOD: This prospective study included 562 pregnant women in the Wuxi Birth Cohort from 2019 to 2021 and quantified the serum concentrations of 23 PFASs and 5 THs. Multiple statistical models were used to assess the associations between individual or combined PFASs concentrations and THs, while molecular docking simulated the interactions between PFASs and four thyroid-related proteins.

RESULTS: The median concentration of ∑₂₃PFASs was 71.91 ng/mL, with perfluorovaleric acid (PFPeA) (18.13 ng/mL) emerging as the predominant PFAS. Most PFASs were negatively associated with maternal free thyroxine (FT4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, whereas perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) was positively correlated with TSH levels. A similar trend was observed in the weighted quantile sum (WQS) model, in which combined PFASs exposure was inversely associated with the FT4 and TSH levels. Molecular docking results showed that compared with TH natural ligand thyroxine (T4), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), and 6:2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (6:2 Cl- PFESA) exhibited relatively high binding affinity with thyroid-related proteins (-6.6 to -9.8 kcal/mol vs. T4: -5.6 to -8.6 kcal/mol). Furthermore, PFASs with medium chain lengths and sulfonic acid groups exhibited enhanced protein-binding properties.

CONCLUSION: PFASs exposure may affect THs homeostasis during pregnancy. Moreover, different types and concentrations of PFASs have different effects on THs in the maternal serum.

PMID:40118311 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2025.121439

J Hazard Mater. 2025 Mar 13;491:137936. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.137936. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Aeration in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is used for removal of organic matter and nutrients. Here we show that aeration can also lead to removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), by foam fractionation. Rising air bubbles facilitate air-liquid interfacial adsorption of PFAS and spontaneous foaming occurrence. This suggests that some modifications to conventional treatment processes that enable foam removal may be sufficient to achieve PFAS removal at WWTPs. However, high suspended solids concentrations in the mixed liquor suspension within the aerated bioreactors may complicate PFAS removal in foam fractionation, as both air bubbles and suspended biomass retain PFAS. This study explored the feasibility of foam fractionation for PFAS removal and enrichment using actual mixed liquor suspensions with typical total suspended solids concentrations and WWTP-relevant PFAS concentrations. The mechanisms involved in PFAS removal and enrichment in both aqueous and solid phases were suggested, and a mass balance analysis was performed to show PFAS distribution between the two phases. Overall, PFAS removal from the aqueous phase ranged from 70 % to 100 % for PFAS with perfluorinated carbon numbers ≥ 6, while PFAS with perfluorinated carbon numbers < 6 showed low removal of < 20 %. PFAS removal from the solid phase ranged from 20 % to 60 %, depending on the PFAS species. This study represents an ongoing effort to advance the potential implementation of foam fractionation in aerated bioreactors at WWTPs.

PMID:40112432 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.137936

J Hazard Mater. 2025 Mar 15;491:137933. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.137933. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has been linked to adverse effects on women's fertility. However, information on the transfer of PFAS from blood to follicular fluid (FF) and individual characteristics influencing this process remains limited. We estimated the blood-to-FF transfer efficiencies (BFTEs) of 32 PFAS in samples from 576 women undergoing in vitro fertilization, and identified structural and physico-chemical predictors of BFTEs. The median BFTEs of PFAS ranged from 0.364 to 0.914. Carbon chain length, isomeric structure, functional group and physico-chemical properties including octanol-water partition coefficient (logKow), membrane-water partition coefficient (logKmw), dissociation constant (Kd) and protein-water partition coefficient (logKpw) were determinants of BFTEs. For example, the BFTEs of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) isomers ranked as follows: n-PFOS (0.753) > iso-PFOS (0.710) > 3 + 4 +5m-PFOS (0.612) > 1m-PFOS (0.587). One unit increase in carbon chain length, logKow, logKmw, Kd and logKpw was associated with BFTE differences of -0.05 (95 % CI: -0.06, -0.04), -0.16 (95 %CI: -0.19, -0.13), -0.07 (95 % CI: -0.10, -0.04), -0.13 (95 % CI: -0.19, -0.08), and 0.22 (95 % CI: 0.14, 0.29), respectively. However, individual characteristics were not associated with BFTEs. This study suggests that molecular structure and physico-chemical properties are critical factors in assessing reproductive health risk related to PFAS.

PMID:40112437 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.137933

J Colloid Interface Sci. 2025 Mar 3;690:137229. doi: 10.1016/j.jcis.2025.03.018. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Modification and control of surface properties, such as surface tension γ at air-liquid (AL) interfaces and surface energy at solid-liquid (SL) surfaces, are at the heart of colloid and interface science. Certain applications require low or very low surface tensions γ_AL and surface energies γ_SL, for example and not limited to: microemulsification, aqueous foams for fire-fighting, hydrophobic, superhydrophobic and oleophobic surfaces to control spreading and wetting of aqueous and oily liquids on solids. In many cases low surface tensions/energies can only be obtained by employing perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as surfactant or polymer additives or surface treatments. Although fluorocarbons and polymers have been employed for over 80 years, with many industrial and commercial benefits, it is now recognized that PFAS are very hazardous to the environment and health. Hence, in the coming years it will be necessary to phase out PFAS entirely, however, at present, there are very few viable alternatives available. This article outlines the chemical principles for designing F-free low surface energy (LSE) additives, and also covers the most recent advances in the quest for non-fluorinated surfactants and polymeric surface coatings.

PMID:40112528 | DOI:10.1016/j.jcis.2025.03.018

Sci Total Environ. 2025 Apr 10;973:179130. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179130. Epub 2025 Mar 20.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals linked with adverse pregnancy outcomes, yet they remain understudied in Puerto Rico. Moreover, underlying biological mechanisms of PFAS are not fully understood, although oxidative stress and inflammation are suspected pathways.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to characterize PFAS exposure among pregnant women in Puerto Rico and examine associations between early to mid-pregnancy PFAS concentrations and repeated measures of oxidative stress biomarkers.

METHODS: This study included 434 participants enrolled in the PROTECT birth cohort. We analyzed serum samples (∼18 weeks of gestation) for nine PFAS, while urinary oxidative stress biomarkers [8-isoprostaglandin F2α (8-IsoP), its metabolite (IsoP-M), and prostaglandin F₂α (PGF2α)] were measured up to three times during pregnancy. We examined associations between each PFAS and oxidative stress biomarker using linear mixed effects regression models and multivariable regression analyses, adjusting for maternal demographic, socioeconomic, and study-related factors.

RESULTS: PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, and PFOA were detected in over 50 % of participants, with PFOS being the most dominant. The majority of participants had total PFAS levels above 2 ng/mL. In repeated measures analyses, an interquartile range increase in PFHxS was associated with a 5.35 % (95 % CI: 0.12, 10.86) rise in IsoP-M levels. In categorical analyses, moderate levels of PFOS and PFNA were positively associated with PGF2α, while higher PFDeA was suggestively linked to 8-IsoP and IsoP-M.

CONCLUSIONS: Despite relatively modest levels compared to the U.S. NHANES, certain PFAS were positively linked with oxidative stress or inflammation, highlighting the need for broader investigations to examine PFAS-related alteration of inflammatory processes during pregnancy.

PMID:40112543 | PMC:PMC11956163 | DOI:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179130

Environ Pollut. 2025 Mar 18:126093. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126093. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

In utero exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are recognized developmental toxicants, potentially leads to decreased anthropometric measures in infants at birth. We analyzed 16 PFAS in 350 cord serum samples from Jinan, China, using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography integrated with Orbitrap mass spectrometry. Birth length, birth weight, and head circumference were extracted from medical records and converted into z-scores (BL-z, BW-z and HC-z, respectively). Multivariable linear regression (MLR) models were employed to investigate the associations between individual PFAS and these birth anthropometric z-scores. To assess the cumulative effects of PFAS, quantile g-computation (QGC) and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models were employed. Additionally, stratified analyses were performed to derive sex-specific estimates of the associations. MLR analysis revealed significant associations between specific PFAS and reduced birth anthropometric measures varying by infant sex. For example, log2-transformed concentration of cord serum perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was associated with reduced BL-z (β=-0.12 (-0.18, -0.06), p<0.001) and BW-z (β=-0.20 (-0.31, -0.10), p<0.001) in all infants. Perfluoroheptanesulfonic acid (PFHpS) was inversely associated with BL-z (β=-0.07 (-0.13, -0.02), p=0.03) and HC-z (β=-0.06 (-0.11, -0.02), p=0.01) exclusively in males. BKMR and QGC models suggested general negative dose-response pattern between exposure to PFAS mixtures and BL-z, BW-z, and HC-z in males. Conversely, these associations were not evident in females. The key PFAS identified as contributors to the joint effects, along with the directions of their estimated impacts as determined by the mixture methods, showed marginal consistency with the results obtained from the MLR models. Our study underscored that in utero exposure to certain PFAS was associated with reduced anthropometric measures at birth. Male infants were more susceptible to PFAS exposure, particularly to combined PFAS mixture effects.

PMID:40113195 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126093

Environ Pollut. 2025 May 1;372:126085. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126085. Epub 2025 Mar 18.

ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been reported to exert hepatotoxic effects; however, their impact on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between PFAS exposure and NAFLD in Korean adults, thereby contributing to the generalization of PFAS's hepatotoxic effects. Using data from the 2018-2020 Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS), we analyzed 2635 Korean adults. PFAS exposure levels were estimated based on the serum concentrations of five PFAS. NAFLD was assessed using two steatosis-related indices (hepatic steatosis index [HSI] and fatty liver index [FLI]) and two fibrosis-related indices (fibrosis-4 index [FIB-4] and aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index [APRI]). The models included these indices as continuous and dichotomous variables, the latter based on diagnostic criteria from previous studies. Associations with PFAS exposure were examined using multiple linear regression and robust Poisson regression models. Positive associations were observed between PFAS exposure and three of the four continuous indices, excluding the FLI, as well as the prevalence of NAFLD diagnosed using these indices. Specifically, the HSI showed a significant association only with perfluorononanoic acid, whereas fibrosis-related indices (FIB-4 and APRI) were significantly associated with all five individual PFAS. The associations were stronger in female and non-obese groups when stratified by sex and obesity status. The results of the Bayesian kernel machine regression analysis evaluating the health effects of PFAS mixtures indicated an association between PFAS mixtures and NAFLD, particularly fibrosis-related indices. Additionally, significant associations with NAFLD indices were mostly observed in females and non-obese groups, supporting the findings from the individual PFAS exposure analyses. Our findings suggest that PFAS are associated with NAFLD, particularly for fibrosis. Considering the high serum PFAS concentrations in the Korean population, continuous monitoring and prospective cohort studies are warranted.

PMID:40113201 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126085

Environ Sci Technol. 2025 Apr 1;59(12):6261-6271. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.4c13666. Epub 2025 Mar 20.

ABSTRACT

The reuse of treated wastewater (TWW) for irrigation alleviates freshwater (FW) scarcity while supporting a circular economy. However, the potential human exposure to contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) through plant accumulation is a significant barrier. Currently, knowledge on CEC contamination of edible produce and effective mitigation strategies for the safe reuse of TWW is limited, particularly under field conditions. This study examined the accumulation of a representative set of CECs, including perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), pharmaceuticals and personal care products, and tire wear particle (TWP) chemicals, in radish, lettuce, and tomato under three irrigation practices: FULL (continuous TWW irrigation), HALF (midseason switch from TWW to FW), and FW-only. Despite low PFAS concentrations (8.1-25.7 ng/L) in TWW, the plant uptake was consistently observed, including in tomato fruits. Alternating TWW with FW significantly reduced CEC accumulation in edible tissues, particularly for compounds with short half-lives, with reductions up to 82.4% even for persistent PFAS. For most CECs and plant species, edible tissue concentrations were similar between the HALF and FW treatments. These findings demonstrate the on-farm applicability of simple irrigation modifications to reduce food contamination and contribute to the promotion of safe reuse of nonconventional waters.

PMID:40113445 | DOI:10.1021/acs.est.4c13666